Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) on “Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific” to be held in Delhi

    Source: Government of India (2)

    14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) on “Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific” to be held in Delhi

    Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh to inaugurate the three-day event tomorrow

    ICAR and AFS jointly organizing the event

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 3:33PM by PIB Delhi

    The 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF), with the theme “Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific” is being organized in New Delhi during February 12-14, 2025. The Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (AFAF) is a triennial event of the Asian Fisheries Society with its Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This 14th AFAF is being jointly organized by the Asian Fisheries Society (AFS), Kuala Lumpur; Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi; the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Government of India; and the Asian Fisheries Society Indian Branch (AFSIB), Mangalore. This prestigious event is being hosted in India for the 2nd time after the 8AFAF held at Kochi in 2007.

    The 14thAFAF brings together key players from the fisheries and aquaculture sectors and will host around 1,000 delegates from 24 countries, including researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders. The Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (AFAF) has a strong legacy of fostering global collaboration in the sector. Since its inception, the forum has been successfully hosted in multiple countries across Asia. Hosting the 14th AFAF in India after 18 years highlights the country’s growing prominence in global fisheries and aquaculture. With a rapidly expanding blue economy, progressive government policies, and significant scientific advancements, India has emerged as a key player in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. Today, India occupies 2nd position in total fish production and also aquaculture production globally. The forum will provide a platform to showcase India’s contributions, strengthen international partnerships, and promote innovative approaches for sustainable, resilient, and economically viable fish production systems.

    The forum will be inaugurated by Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj, Govt. of India on at 10.00 AM on 12th February 2025 ( WEDNESDAY) at Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, ICAR Convention Centre, Pusa Campus, New Delhi. Dr. Himansu Pathak, Secretary, DARE, and Director General, ICAR; Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India; Dr. S. Ayyappan, Former Secretary, DARE, and DG, ICAR; Dr. Essam Yassin Mohammed, Director General of World Fish, Malaysia will also be present. The event will include over 20 Lead Presentations by internationally acclaimed experts from India and overseas.

    On the second day a Symposium on “Aquatic Animal Diseases: Emerging Challenges and Preparedness” will be held at A.P. Shinde Auditorium, NASC Complex, Pusa Campus, New Delhi. Shri George Kurian, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, and Minority Affairs, Govt. of India will inaugurate the event.

    On the third day, the Academia-Industry-Government Meet on ‘De-risking Shrimp Aquaculture Value Chain for Improved Global Competitiveness‘ at Parijat Lecture Hall, Ground Floor, NAAS Block, NASC, New Delhi. Dr B. Mastan Rao, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) will inaugurate it.

    Closing Ceremony of 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) will be held at 4.30 pm on 14thFebruary, 2025 at Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, ICAR Convention Centre, Pusa Campus, New Delhi. Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India has consented to be the Chief Guest of the Closing Ceremony.

    ****

    MG/KSR   

    (Release ID: 2101732) Visitor Counter : 151

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WAVES 2025 “Reel Making” Challenge

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 3:48PM by PIB Delhi

    Shaping the Future of Storytelling, One Reel at a Time

     

    Introduction

    The WAVES 2025 “Reel Making” Challenge is a unique competition that empowers creators and enthusiasts to showcase their storytelling skills using Meta’s tools through a concise 30-90 second film format. Organised by the Internet and Mobile Association of India in partnership with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the challenge has received an overwhelming response, with 3,379 registrations from across India and 20 countries as of February 5, 2025. It provides a platform for digital creators to experiment, innovate, and push the boundaries of short-form content.

    This challenge is part of the Create in India Challenges, a flagship initiative under the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), which will be held from 1st to 4th May 2025 at Jio World Convention Centre & Jio World Gardens, Mumbai. WAVES is a premier global platform fostering discussions, collaboration, and innovation in the Media & Entertainment (M&E) industry. Bringing together industry leaders and stakeholders, the summit will explore emerging opportunities, address challenges, and strengthen India’s position as a global creative hub. With over 70,000 registrations across 31 competitions, the Create in India Challenges continue to fuel creativity, talent, and international participation.

    WAVES 2025: Uniting Creators Worldwide

    The “Reel Making” Challenge, launched as a key initiative under WAVES 2025, underscores India’s emergence as a global hub for media and entertainment while reflecting the rapid growth of its digital creator economy. It aligns with the Government of India’s “Create in India” vision, fostering talent from across the nation and beyond.

    The challenge has attracted notable international participation from countries including Afghanistan, Albania, the United States, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, UAE, Australia, and Germany, among others. This global reach highlights India’s increasing influence in the creative sector and the growing appeal of WAVES as a premier platform for content creators worldwide.

    Domestically, entries have come from diverse and remote locations across India, such as Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh), Dimapur (Nagaland), Kargil (Ladakh), Leh, Shopian (Kashmir), Port Blair (Andaman & Nicobar Islands), Teliamura (Tripura), Kasaragod (Kerala), and Gangtok (Sikkim). The strong response from smaller towns and emerging creative hubs showcases India’s rich storytelling traditions and thriving digital ecosystem.

    Participants above the age of 20 are required to create reels on themes such as “Viksit Bharat,” highlighting India’s technological and infrastructure advancements, and “India @ 2047,” envisioning the nation’s future growth. These themes provide a platform for storytellers to capture India’s innovation journey, demonstrating their creativity and vision for the country’s progress.

     

    Themes

     

    1. Food: Celebrate India’s rich culinary heritage, from street food delights to regional specialties.

     

    1. Travel: Capture India’s breathtaking landscapes, iconic landmarks, and hidden gems.

     

    1. Fashion: Explore the fusion of traditional and modern Indian fashion.

     

    1. Dance & Music: Showcase India’s vibrant rhythms, from classical performances to contemporary beats.

     

    1. Gaming: Dive into India’s evolving gaming culture and its impact on entertainment.

     

    1. Yoga & Wellness: Highlight the essence of holistic living through yoga, Ayurveda, and well-being practices.

     

    1. Road Trips: Share the thrill of Indian road trips, scenic routes, and travel adventures.

     

    1. Tech: Unleash creativity with AR, VR, and digital innovations shaping the future.

    Rules

    Reel Guidelines

    Rewards & Recognition

     

    1. Exclusive invitation to a Meta-hosted event and a reels masterclass in 2025.

     

    1. All-expenses-paid access to the WAVES event.

     

    1. Winning reels featured in the WAVES Hall of Fame, official website, and social media.

     

    1. Ministry-backed support for finalists to compete in global content creator competitions.

     

      

    References:

    https://wavesindia.org/challenges-2025

    https://eventsites.iamai.in/Waves/reelmaking/

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2099990

     Click here to download PDF

    ****

    Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Saurabh Kalia

    (Release ID: 2101742) Visitor Counter : 39

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKETO, Washington DC hosts Chinese New Year Reception (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    HKETO, Washington DC hosts Chinese New Year Reception (with photos)
    HKETO, Washington DC hosts Chinese New Year Reception (with photos)
    *******************************************************************

         The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington DC (HKETO, Washington DC) hosted a Chinese New Year reception on February 6 (Washington DC time). Some 700 guests attended to welcome the Year of the Snake.     The reception began with performances by musicians Yang Enhua, Hong Ting Laurina and Ding Yijie from the Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong. Speaking to a distinguished audience, which included US government officials, congressional staff, Ambassadors and others, Sylvester Wong, Director of the HKETO, Washington DC, said the performances exemplified the “perseverance and diversity of Hong Kong’s performing arts scene and the power of inclusion across the arts.” He acknowledged Cathay Pacific Airway’s support for the musicians’ US tour.            Mr Wong provided an update on growth forecasts for Hong Kong’s economy and the strength of Hong Kong-US commercial ties.                 He highlighted the robust trade ties between Hong Kong and the US, reporting that US goods exports to the city last year totaled nearly US$26 billion. Over the past 10 years, the US has realized a trade surplus of US$271 billion with Hong Kong.           With the Hong Kong government’s recently announced reduction of the duty on imported alcoholic beverages, coupled with the city’s vibrant cocktail culture, Mr Wong stressed that there was strong potential for US whiskeys in Hong Kong.      Mr Wong highlighted Hong Kong’s robust measures to amplify the city’s competitiveness by strengthening traditional pillar industries, while cultivating new growth areas.      He reported on the recent commissioning of the Three-Runway System in the Hong Kong International Airport, which would increase passenger and cargo flows and boosts interconnectivity. Illustrating greater interconnectivity, he announced that Cathay Pacific Airways would soon launch nonstop service from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Hong Kong.      In cultivating new growth areas, Mr Wong reported that Hong Kong had continued to step-up the competitiveness of its financial market. With over 1 100 fintech companies operating in the city, innovative financial products run the gamut from mobile payments to virtual asset trading. “The pace of financial innovation requires our regulatory regime to be nimble,” said Mr Wong. “Our regulatory approach ensures market innovation while managing risks.”      Beyond the world of business, Mr Wong said that Hong Kong offered unforgettable experiences for American visitors, including iconic events like Art Basel and the Clockenflap music and arts festival. Thanks to Hong Kong athletes’ achievements at international sporting events and the new Kai Tak Sports Park, Hong Kong had elevated its elite sports development and the status as the capital of international sports events.

     
    Ends/Tuesday, February 11, 2025Issued at HKT 8:52

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MILK PRODUCTS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 5:35PM by PIB Delhi

    The productivity of Indigenous bovine breeds in the country is low compared to advanced dairy nations globally and this is mainly due to low genetic potential of dairy animals and animals are maintained on low plane of nutrition.  However, the total productivity of Bovines in the country has increased from 1640 kilograms per animal per year in 2014-15 to 2072 kilograms per animal per year in 2023-24 that is by 26.34% which is the highest productivity gain by any country in the world.  The productivity of the indigenous and non-descript cattle has increased from 927 kilograms per animal per year in 2014-15 to 1292 kilograms per animal per year in 2023-24 that is by 39.37 %. The productivity of the buffaloes has increased from 1880 kilograms per animal per year in 2014-15 to 2161 kilograms per animal per year in 2023-24 that is by 14.94%. Milk production in the country has increased from 146.31 Million Tonnes in 2014-15 to 239.30 Million Tonnes in 2023-24 that is by 63.55 % during the last 10 years. Rashtriya Gokul Mission envisages to achieve productivity of bovines upto 3000 kilograms of milk per animal per year by 2030.

    In order to complement and supplement the efforts of the States and Union Territories to improve the nutrition, management practices, genetic potential of local cattle breeds and to provide training and support to dairy farmers in adopting best practices, the details of the steps undertaken and schemes being implemented by Government of India is as under:

    1.         Rashtriya Gokul Mission: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing Rashtriya Gokul Mission since December 2014 for development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds, genetic upgradation of bovine population and enhancement of milk production and productivity of bovines. Following efforts are being made under the scheme to enhance milk production and productivity of bovines:

    (i)         Nationwide Artificial Insemination Program: Under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is expanding artificial insemination coverage to boost the milk production and productivity of bovines, including indigenous breeds.

    (ii)        Progeny Testing and Pedigree Selection: This program aims to produce high genetic merit bulls, including bulls of indigenous breeds. Progeny testing is implemented for Gir, Sahiwal breeds of cattle, and Murrah, Mehsana breeds of buffaloes. Under the Pedigree selection programme Rathi, Tharparkar, Hariana, Kankrej breed of cattle and Jaffarabadi, Nili Ravi, Pandharpuri and Banni breed of buffalo are covered.

    (iii)       Implementation of In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Technology: To propagate elite animals of indigenous breeds, the Department has established 22 IVF laboratories. The technology has important role in genetic upgradation of bovine population in single generation. Further, to deliver technology at reasonable rates to farmers Government has launched IVF media.

    (iv)       Sex-Sorted Semen Production: The Department has established sex sorted semen production facilities at 5 government semen stations located in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. 3 private semen stations are also producing sex sorted semen doses.

    (v)        Genomic Selection: To accelerate genetic improvement of cattle and buffaloes, the Department has developed unified genomic chips—Gau Chip for indigenous cattle and Mahish Chip for buffaloes—specifically designed for initiating genomic selection in the country.

    (vi)       Multi-purpose Artificial Insemination Technicians in Rural India (MAITRIs): Under the scheme MAITRIs are trained and equipped to deliver quality Artificial Insemination services at farmers’ doorstep.

    (vii)      Accelerated Breed Improvement Programme using sex sorted semen: This program aims to produce female calves with up to 90% accuracy, thereby enhancing breed improvement and farmers’ income. Farmers receive support for assured pregnancy upto 50% of the cost of sex sorted semen.

    (viii)     Accelerated Breed Improvement Programme using In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) technology: This technology is utilized for the rapid genetic upgradation of bovines and an incentive of Rs 5,000 per assured pregnancy is made available to farmers interested in taking up IVF technology.

    2.         National Livestock Mission (NLM): National Livestock Mission (NLM) aims to create employment generation, entrepreneurship development, increase in per-animal productivity and thus targeting increased production of meat, goat milk, egg and wool under the umbrella scheme Development Programme.  The scheme envisages following three submissions: (i) Sub-Mission on Breed Development of Livestock and Poultry; (ii) Sub-Mission on Feed and Fodder Development and (iii) Sub-Mission on Innovation, Extension. Details of the activities covered under these submissions are as under:

    (A) Sub-mission on Breed Development of Livestock and Poultry:  This Sub-Mission has following activities: (I)                 Establishment of Entrepreneurs for breed development: under this activity following sub activities are included (i) Establishment of Entrepreneurs for breed development of Rural Poultry and (ii) Establishment of Entrepreneur for breed development in small ruminant sector (sheep and goat farming). (II) Genetic Improvement of Sheep and Goat breeds: under this activity following are the sub activities: (i) Establishment of Regional Semen Production Laboratory and Semen Bank for sheep and goat; (ii) Establishment of State Semen Bank: (iii) Propagation of Artificial Insemination through existing cattle and buffalo Artificial Insemination centers and (iv)  Import of exotic sheep and goat germplasm.  (III) Promotion of Piggery Entrepreneur. (IV) Genetic Improvement of Pig breeds: Under this activity following activities are implemented:  (i) Establishment of pig semen collection and processing lab and (ii) Import of exotic pig germplasm. (V) Establishment of Entrepreneurs for horse, donkey, mule and camel. (VI) Genetic Improvement of Horse, Donkey, Mule, Camel:  (i) Regional Semen Station for Horse, donkey and camel; (ii) Nucleus Breed Farm for Conservation of Horse/Donkey/Camel germplasm and (iii) Breed Registration Society.

    (B) Sub-Mission on feed and fodder development: The Sub-Mission of the feed and fodder is covering the following activities: (I)     Assistance for quality Fodder seed production. (II) Entrepreneurial activities in feed and fodder. (III) Establishment of Entrepreneurs for Fodder Seed processing Infrastructure (processing and grading unit/ fodder seed storage godown). (IV) Fodder production from Non-Forest Wasteland / Rangeland / Non-arable Land” and “Fodder Production from Forest Land.

    (C)       Sub Mission on Innovation and Extension: Under this Sub-Mission the following are the activities: (I) Research and Development and innovations. (II) Extension activities. (III) Livestock Insurance programme.

    3.         National Programme for Dairy Development: This scheme focuses on creating dairy infrastructure for the procurement, processing, and marketing of milk and milk products in the cooperative dairy sector inter alia training and awareness programs for dairy farmers, input services such as cattle-feed and mineral mixtures, and assistance for quality testing of milk and milk products, thereby improving the economic condition of dairy farmers enrolled in cooperatives.

    4.         Livestock Health and Disease Control (LH & DC): The scheme is implemented for providing assistance for control of animal diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease, Brucellosis and also to provide assistance to State Governments for Control of other infectious diseases of livestock including dairy animals. Mobile Veterinary Units are established under the scheme to deliver quality livestock health services at farmers doorstep. Under the vaccination programme: (i) more than 100 crore vaccinations have been done against FMD including 35 crore vaccination performed during current year; and (ii) about 4.3 crore calves vaccinated against Brucellosis under brucellosis control programme including 1.3 crore calves vaccinated during current year. Under the component of Establishment and Strengthening of Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries (ESVHD- MVU), 100% financial assistance is provided towards procurement & customization of Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs) with recurring operational expenditure in the ratio of 90:10 for North Eastern & Himalayan States; 60% for other States, and 100% for UTs for delivery of veterinary healthcare services through Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs) through a Toll-Free Number (1962) at farmers’ doorsteps which include disease diagnosis, treatment, vaccination, minor surgical interventions, audio-visual aids and extension services. So far, 4016 MVUs are operational in 28 states and 65 lakh farmers benefitted. This helps in increasing productivity

    5.         Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) The scheme is to facilitate incentivisation of investments to establish (i) Dairy processing and product diversification infrastructure, (ii) Meat processing and product diversification infrastructure and (iii) Animal Feed Plant (iv) Breed Improvement Technology and Breed Multiplication Farm, (v) Veterinary Vaccine and Drugs production facilities, (vi) Animal waste to wealth management (Agri-waste Management). Keeping in view of the success of AHIDF, the erstwhile Dairy Processing Infrastructure Development Fund has been subsumed with the AHIDF on 01.02.2024. Now total size of the fund is Rs 29110 cr.

    The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing Centrally Sponsored Scheme National Livestock Mission with a Sub-Mission on Feed and Fodder Development. Under the Submission, fodder development activity is undertaken through strengthening of fodder seed chain (Breeder-Foundation-Certified) thereby improving the availability of certified/quality fodder seeds required for production of high quality and  nutritious fodder. Approx.  1.03 lakh Tons of fodder seeds were produced under the Component Assistance for Quality Fodder Seeds Production since 2021-22 with release of funds of Rs.636.83 crores. The details of the progress under the component is at Annexure-I

    Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)- Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute ( IGFRI) Jhansi along with its All India Co-ordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Forage Crops & Utilization with 22 coordinated centers located in 21 states of the country are dedicatedly working on development of high yielding and nutritious fodder crop varieties for different agro-climatic conditions of the country and many varieties have been released for cultivation. Different approaches of crop improvement viz. speed breeding, apomixes; gene editing, SS markers, transgenic etc. are being used to develop high yielding trait specific cultivars. Major thrust are being placed for the development of varieties with attributes of high yielding, nutritionally superior, climatically resilient and resistant for different biotic factor. Till now more than 400 improved varieties in 40 fodder crops has been developed for different parts of the country and out of these about 200 varieties are in seed production chain. During last five years (2019-2024) nutritionally better and high yielding 86 varieties/ hybrids in 17 fodder crops have been identified/ notified for the cultivation in different agro-climatic regions of the country.

    Annexure-I

    Progress under component Assistance for Quality Fodder seeds Production under realign National Livestock Mission (NLM)

    1. Physical Progress – Year and Class wise Fodder Seed Production (Qtls)

    Class of seeds

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

    2024-25

    Total

    Breeder

    530.13

    0

    0

    0

    530.13

    Foundation

    6120.87

    21864.75

    15312.89

    12832.06

    56130.57

    Certified

    104852.2

    303222.4

    407874.5

    159383.0

    975332.1

    Total

    111503.2

    325087.2

    423187.4

    172215.1

    1031993

    1. Financial Progress – Year-wise Release of funds

    Year

    Release of funds (Rs.in crores)

    2021-22

    100.44

    2022-23

    159.99

    2023-24

    156.07

    2024-25

    (As on 4.2.2025)

    220.31

    Total Releases

    636.83

    This information was given by the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    *****

    AA

    (Release ID: 2101854) Visitor Counter : 25

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DAIRY VALUE CHAIN

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 5:33PM by PIB Delhi

    Animal Husbandry is an important sub-sector of Indian agricultural economy and plays a multifaceted role in providing nutrition and livelihood support to the rural population. Milk plays an important role in nutritional security as it is important source of animal protein. Milk is a near complete food and has high nutritive value. It contains body building proteins, bone forming minerals, health giving vitamins, furnishes energy giving lactose and milk fat. Milk and dairy products are vital sources of nourishment for billions globally, benefiting people of all ages, from young children to older adults, by supporting health and active lifestyles. Nutrient-dense and energy-rich, milk provides high-quality protein along with essential micronutrients, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and phosphorus, all in forms that the body can readily absorb. Numerous studies highlight the key role of milk and dairy in supporting healthy nutrition and development throughout life, particularly during childhood. As of date per capita availability of milk  has increased to 471 gram / day higher than, ICMR recommendation of 300 gram/ day. The livestock sector apart from contributing to national economy in general and to agricultural economy in particular also provides employment generation opportunities, asset creation, handling mechanism against crop failure and social and financial security. The benefit of the schemes has been accruing to all farmers engaged in dairying in terms of enhancement in milk production and productivity of bovines. Value of output of milk is more than Rs.11.16 lakh crore during 2022-23 (As per National Accounts Statistics 2024)  which is the highest of the agriculture produce and even more than the combined value of Paddy and Wheat. The schemes are playing important role in enhancing milk production and productivity of bovines to meet growing demand of milk and making dairying more remunerative to the rural farmers of the country.

    In order tostrengthen the dairy value chain right from quality feed, breed, processing, value addition to market linkages the following steps are undertaken by Government of India:

     

    1.         Rashtriya Gokul Mission:        Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India is implementing Rashtriya Gokul Mission since December 2014 for development and conservation of indigenous breeds, genetic upgradation of bovine population and enhancement of milk production and productivity of bovines. Following steps are taken under the scheme to enhance milk production and productivity of bovines:

    (i)         Nationwide Artificial Insemination Program: Under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India is expanding artificial insemination coverage to boost the milk production and productivity of bovines, including indigenous breeds. As on date, 8.32 crore animals have been covered, with 12.20 crore artificial inseminations performed, benefiting 5.19 crore farmers.

     

    (ii)        Progeny Testing and Pedigree Selection: This program aims to produce high genetic merit bulls, including bulls of indigenous breeds. Progeny testing is implemented for Gir, Sahiwal breeds of cattle, and Murrah, Mehsana breeds of buffaloes. Under the Pedigree selection programme Rathi, Tharparkar, Hariana, Kankrej breed of cattle and Jaffarabadi, Nili Ravi, Pandharpuri and Banni breed of buffalo are covered. So far 3,988 high genetic merit bulls have produced and inducted for semen production.

     

    (iii)       Implementation of In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Technology: To propagate elite animals of indigenous breeds, the Department has established 22 IVF laboratories. The technology has important role in genetic upgradation of bovine population in single generation. Further, to deliver technology at reasonable rates to farmers Government has launched indigenously developed IVF media.

     

    (iv)       Sex-Sorted Semen Production: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India has established sex sorted semen production facilities at 5 government semen stations located in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. 3 private semen stations are also producing sex sorted semen doses. So far 1.15 crore sex-sorted semen doses from high genetic merit bulls have been produced and made available for Artificial Insemination.

     

    (v)        Genomic Selection: To accelerate genetic improvement of cattle and buffaloes, the Department has developed unified genomic chips—Gau Chip for indigenous cattle and Mahish Chip for buffaloes—specifically designed for initiating genomic selection in the country.

     

    (vi)       Multi-purpose Artificial Insemination Technicians in Rural India (MAITRIs): Under the scheme MAITRIs are trained and equipped to deliver quality Artificial Insemination services at farmers’ doorstep. During the last 3 years 38,736 MAITRIs have been trained and equipped under Rashtriya Gokul Mission.

     

    (vii)      Accelerated Breed Improvement Programme using sex sorted semen: This program aims to produce female calves with up to 90% accuracy, thereby enhancing breed improvement and farmers’ income. Farmers receive support for assured pregnancy upto 50% of the cost of sex sorted semen. As of now, 341,998 farmers have been benefited from this program. Government has launched indigenously developed sex sorted semen technology to deliver sex sorted semen at reasonable rates to farmers.

     

    (viii)     Accelerated Breed Improvement Programme using In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) technology: This technology is utilized for the rapid genetic upgradation of bovines and an incentive of Rs 5,000 per assured pregnancy is made available to farmers interested in taking up IVF technology.

     

    2.         National Livestock Mission (NLM): The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India is implementing NLM scheme since the financial year 2014-15. In view of the present need of the sector the NLM scheme has been revised and realigned from financial year 2021-22. The National Livestock Mission along with along other components and subcomponents of the scheme covers Sub-Mission on feed and fodder development.

    The Sub-Mission of the feed and fodder is covering the following activities:

    Activity I:        Assistance for quality Fodder seed production: 100% incentivization for production of all categories of fodder seed production by Central and State Govt. institutions;

    Activity II:       Entrepreneurial activities in feed and fodder: One time 50% capital subsidy up to Rs 50 lakh is provided to the Individuals. SHG, FCOs JLG, FPOs, Dairy Cooperative societies, section 8 companies are incentivized for the value addition such as Hay/Silage/Total Mixed Ration(TMR)/ Fodder Block.

    Activity III: Establishment of Entrepreneurs for Fodder Seed processing Infrastructure (processing and grading unit/ fodder seed storage godown):  One time 50% capital subsidy up to Rs 50 lakh is provided to companies, start-ups/ SHGs/FPOs/FCOs/JLGs/ Cooperative societies Section 8 companies and other credible organizations for establishing fodder seed processing infrastructure.

    Activity IV:      Fodder production from Non-Forest Wasteland / Rangeland / Non-arable Land” and “Fodder Production from Forest Land: The Central assistance is provided for production of various fodder in the degraded non-forest wasteland / rangeland / grassland/ non-arable land and forest land to enhance the vegetation cover of problematic soils like saline, acidic and heavy soil. 

    The Scheme National Livestock Mission also provides assistance to States/ UTs for livestock Insurance and component is implemented on 60:40 sharing basis between the Central Government and States and 90:10 sharing basis for North-Eastern and Himalayan States. Along with other livestock species dairy animals including cattle buffaloes are covered under the component.

    3.         National Programme for Dairy Development: This scheme focuses on creating dairy infrastructure for the procurement, processing, and marketing of milk and milk products in the cooperative dairy sector inter alia training and awareness programs for dairy farmers, input services such as cattle-feed and mineral mixtures, and assistance for quality testing of milk and milk products, thereby improving the economic condition of dairy farmers enrolled in cooperatives.

    4.         Livestock Health and Disease Control (LH & DC): The scheme is implemented for providing assistance for control of animal diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease, Brucellosis and also to provide assistance to State Governments for Control of other infectious diseases of livestock including dairy animals. Mobile Veterinary Units are established under the scheme to deliver quality livestock health services at farmers doorstep. Under the vaccination programme: (i) more than 100 crore vaccinations have been done against FMD including 35 crore vaccination performed during current year; and (ii) about 4.3 crore calves vaccinated against Brucellosis under brucellosis control programme including 1.3 crore calves vaccinated during current year. Under the component of Establishment and Strengthening of Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries (ESVHD- MVU), 100% financial assistance is provided towards procurement & customization of Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs) with recurring operational expenditure in the ratio of 90:10 for North Eastern & Himalayan States; 60% for other States, and 100% for UTs for delivery of veterinary healthcare services through Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs) through a Toll-Free Number (1962) at farmers’ doorsteps which include disease diagnosis, treatment, vaccination, minor surgical interventions, audio-visual aids and extension services. So far, 4016 MVUs are operational in 28 states and 65 lakh farmers benefitted.

    5.         Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) The scheme is  to facilitate incentivisation of investments to establish (i) Dairy processing and product diversification infrastructure, (ii) Meat processing and product diversification infrastructure and (iii) Animal Feed Plant (iv) Breed Improvement Technology and Breed Multiplication Farm, (v) Veterinary Vaccine and Drugs production facilities, (vi) Animal waste to wealth management (Agri-waste Management). Keeping in view of the success of AHIDF, the erstwhile Dairy Processing Infrastructure Development Fund has been subsumed with the AHIDF on 01.02.2024. Now total size of the fund is Rs 29110 crore.  So far 131 projects of dairy processing with the total project cost of Rs 5976 crore has been sanctioned under the scheme and 77 breed improvement projects with the total project cost of Rs 1027.82 crore.

     

    This information was given by the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    *****

    AA

    (Release ID: 2101849) Visitor Counter : 25

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Follow-up on State aid for airports, commercial aviation and rail in Portugal – E-000450/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000450/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Adrian-George Axinia (ECR)

    The Commission’s answer to our question E-001390/2024 on State aid for the new Alcochete airport in Portugal basically stated that it was unaware of any State aid having been granted[1].

    Portuguese media recently reported on large tax benefits to state-owned airline TAP Air Portugal, which is soon due to be privatised. This follows EUR 3.28 million in State aid during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has not yet been reimbursed.

    In August the Portuguese Government announced a subsidised EUR 20 per month national rail pass. This seems to infringe every competition rule, undermining the economics of private railway operators.

    The Portuguese Government may be grossly distorting competition in the European airport, commercial aviation and railway sectors, setting bad precedents and potentially impacting the large neighbouring Spanish market, in particular.

    The mission letter to the new Executive Vice-President responsible for the competition portfolio clearly states that she ‘should preserve the level playing field while pursuing further simplification of State Aid, prioritising work on the most distortive aids.’

    State aid cannot be overlooked. It is the Commission’s duty to proactively scrutinise and enforce EU policies.

    Therefore:

    Given the many worrying signs, what scrutiny is being exercised over State aid for Lisbon’s new airport in Alcochete, for the privatisation of TAP Air Portugal and for Portuguese railways?

    Submitted: 3.2.2025

    • [1] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-10-2024-001390-ASW_EN.html.
    Last updated: 11 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Discharge 2023 (Commission and EU Agencies): Consideration of Draft Reports – Committee on Budgetary Control

    Source: European Parliament

    European Parliament © Image used under the license from Adobe Stock

    On 17-18 February 2025, CONT Members will consider the draft reports on the financial year 2023 discharge to the European Commission and EU Agencies. The draft reports will be presented by the respective Rapporteurs, emphasising what they consider to be the main points for the 2023 discharge cycle.

    The discharge procedure is the Parliament’s final approval of how the EU budget for a specific year has been implemented. In the draft reports presented during the meeting, the CONT Committee scrutinises how the Commission and EU Agencies are implementing the EU budget and prepares the Parliament’s discharge decisions. Parliament considers the reports prepared by the Budgetary Control Committee, taking into account the Council’s recommendations, and decides to grant, postpone or refuse a discharge.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Consideration of draft opinion on the revamped EU Budget – Committee on Budgetary Control

    Source: European Parliament

    A revamped long-term budget for the Union in a changing world © Image used under the license from Adobe Stock

    On 17 February 2025, CONT Members will consider the draft opinion for BUDG on a revamped long-term budget for the Union in a changing world.

    The draft opinion amends the draft Report of the BUDG Rapporteurs by putting more emphasis on the need for increased transparency, improved performance and the importance of protection of the financial interests of the Union.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia – B10-0106/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Reinier Van Lanschot, Mārtiņš Staķis, Maria Ohisalo, Sergey Lagodinsky, Markéta Gregorová, Ville Niinistö, Erik Marquardt, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Villy Søvndal
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    B10‑0106/2025

    European Parliament resolution on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia

    (2025/2522(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

     having regard to its previous resolutions on Georgia,

     having regard to the statement of 1 December 2024 by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) Kaja Kallas and Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos on Georgia,

     having regard to the Council conclusions on Enlargement of 17 December 2024,

     having regard to the Association Agreement of July 2016 between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and Georgia, of the other part, and its establishment of a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area,

     having regard to Rule 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas mass grass-roots protests have been taking place in Georgia since the October 2024 parliamentary election; whereas civil society, opposition parties and international and local observers did not accept the reported election results and continue to demand a new election; whereas the protests have been marred by the police’s use of excessive and disproportionate violence, countless arrests and the ill treatment of detainees while in custody;

    B. whereas local and international human rights organisations have documented a worrying trend of police brutality, stating that hundreds of protesters, dispersed and arrested by police, have faced violence that, in some cases, amounts to torture; whereas Georgia’s police forces are operating under a veil of apparent impunity, using sporadic acts of violence by protesters, often provoked by their own actions, as a pretext for repression; whereas no officials responsible for abuses have been held accountable;

    C. whereas hundreds of anti-government protesters and activists are still being detained, of whom more than 300 are alleging that they suffer beatings, torture and other ill treatment in detention; whereas detainees face swift court hearings resulting in fines or detention for alleged administrative offences, while dozens of people have been arrested on criminal charges in the context of the ongoing anti-government protests;

    D. whereas UN experts have condemned the pattern of repression and human rights violations in Georgia, while the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe has called this suppression a serious breach of the right of freedom of assembly;

    E. whereas prominent journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, founder of Georgian independent news outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti, was detained in Batumi on 12 January 2025 for posting a protest poster and then detained again after she suffered ill treatment while in detention, which allegedly resulted in her slapping a Batumi police officer who had insulted her; whereas the Georgian Prosecutor’s Office then charged her with ‘attacking a police officer,’ a criminal offence that carries a prison sentence of four to seven years; whereas on 20 January, it became known that Amaghlobeli had begun a hunger strike; whereas international and local human rights organisations, foreign and Georgian politicians, 14 embassies and more than 300 Georgian journalists, editors and media managers have expressed deep concern about her medical condition and called for her immediate release;

    F. whereas the ruling Georgian Dream party convened the new parliament in violation of the country’s constitution, resulting in a boycott of parliament by the opposition; whereas on 5 February 2025, Georgian Dream members of parliament (MPs) voted to strip 49 opposition MPs of their mandates; whereas Georgian authorities have arrested several opposition figures, including politicians Nika Melia and Gigi Ugulava;

    G. whereas Georgian Dream has adopted new legislation that came into effect on 30 December 2024, which imposes further arbitrary restrictions on the rights of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, along with hefty fines for the use of protest slogans or posters, and enables preventive detentions of anyone suspected of planning to violate these rules governing public assembly or other laws, for up to 48 hours; whereas the authorities are routinely abusing administrative and criminal proceedings by the Georgian authorities as part of the worsening crackdown on protest and peaceful dissent;

    H. whereas the Georgian authorities continue to ignore the numerous local and international calls to repeal the law ‘on transparency of foreign influence’ and the law ‘on family values and protection of minors’; whereas Georgian Dream has, however, announced plans to replace the so-called foreign agent legislation with a tougher law it describes as a ‘direct copy of the current US Foreign Agents Registration Act’; whereas Georgian Dream has also announced plans for a new draft law on media control which would reportedly restrict media funding from foreign sources, establish ‘standards for media objectivity and journalistic ethics’ and define institutional mechanisms for monitoring and safeguarding these standards;

    I. whereas a growing number of civil servants have been dismissed after speaking out against the halting of Georgia’s EU membership process, with Prime Minster Kobakhidze stating that the country’s civil service was going through a ‘process of self-cleansing’;

    J. whereas Giorgi Gakharia, leader of the For Georgia party and former prime minister, and Zviad Koridze, a journalist and a member of Transparency International Georgia, were physically assaulted in two separate incidents on 15 January;

    K. whereas Article 78 of the Georgian Constitution states that the constitutional bodies must take all measures within the scope of their competences to ensure the full integration of Georgia into the European Union;

    L. whereas the EU has firmly halted Georgia’s EU accession process, redirected EU funding from Georgia’s government to civil society and suspended visa-free travel to the EU for Georgian diplomats and officials; whereas, at the December 2024 Foreign Affairs Council, Hungary and Slovakia blocked broadly demanded targeted sanctions against leading Georgian officials, including Bidzina Ivanishvili;

    M. whereas Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have bilaterally imposed targeted sanctions against Ivanishvili and 10 government officials, including Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri; whereas, in December 2024, the US imposed individual sanctions against Ivanishvili, while the UK imposed individual sanctions against Mr Gomelauri, Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze, Tbilisi Police Department Director Sulkhan Tamazashvili, Chief of the Special Tasks Department Zviad Kharazishvili, and Deputy Head of the Special Tasks Department Mileri Lagazauri; whereas on 13 January 2025, UK MP James MacCleary put forward a motion to sanction Ivanishvili in the House of Commons;

    N. whereas Ivanishvili and his family members have reportedly begun transferring their business assets, worth dozens of millions of euros, from offshore entities to Georgia-registered companies following the imposition of the US targeted sanctions;

    O. whereas a significant incentive for Georgian Dream and Ivanishvili in particular to remain on their confrontational path with democracy at home and against European integration is their confidence in cultivating alternative economic development opportunities with Russia, and the continued and growing geo-economic leverage of Georgia in respect of the West; whereas Georgia is a key partner country of the ‘Middle Corridor’ in terms of connectivity, energy and trade relations;

    1. Stands in solidarity with all people in Georgia who, for over three months, have been protesting for their country’s democracy and constitution, human rights and EU values; reiterates its unwavering support for the Georgian people’s legitimate European aspirations and their wish to live in a prosperous and democratic country, free from corruption, that fully respects fundamental freedoms, protects human rights and guarantees an open society, independent media and free and fair elections;

    2. Reconfirms its position that the reported extensive electoral fraud during the October 2024 parliamentary election undermined the integrity of the election process, the legitimacy of the results and the public’s trust in any new government, and that the results therefore do not serve as a reliable representation of the will of the Georgian people; calls for a new election within a year, and for the process to be conducted in an improved electoral environment by an independent and impartial election administration, under diligent international observation, in order to ensure a genuinely fair and transparent electoral process;

    3. Considers that the actions of the Georgian Dream party, both in parliament and on the streets against its own citizens, are rapidly steering the country towards authoritarianism, in a seemingly deliberate attempt to demonstrate that the will of the Georgian people no longer determines the country’s future;

    4. Condemns all violence against protesters and the ill treatment of detainees by Georgia’s police forces, especially the growing reports of torture; strongly urges the Georgian authorities to guarantee the right of citizens to assemble and to refrain from using unwarranted force against them; demands that all officials responsible for unlawful use of force, including acts of torture and other ill treatment, must be held fully accountable;

    5. Calls for the immediate and unconditional release of political prisoners and those detained during the anti-government protests; expresses its deep concern about the medical condition of Mzia Amaghlobeli and denounces Georgian Dream for her unlawful detention and criminal prosecution, which was intended to instil fear among independent media representatives, activists and civil society at large;

    6. Condemns the termination of the mandates of 49 opposition MPs by Georgian Dream; considers this the latest step in Georgian Dream’s attack on political pluralism in the country; warns the Georgian authorities that any attempts to turn its threats of a ban on established political parties into a reality would alienate Georgia from the EU and make any move towards EU accession impossible;

    7. Condemns the attacks on Giorgi Gakharia and Zviad Korids; demands an independent investigation into the incidents and for those responsible to be held accountable;

    8. Reiterates its call on the Georgian authorities to repeal the law ‘on transparency of foreign influence’ and the law ‘on family values and protection of minors’; expresses concern about recently announced and introduced laws limiting freedom of expression and assembly, increasing state control of the media and further tightening of the so-called foreign agent legislation; underlines that the law and policies implemented by Georgian Dream are unconstitutional and incompatible with Georgia’s EU integration;

    9. Condemns the broader campaign of attacks by the Georgian authorities vilifying civil society organisations and reputable international donors that support democracy, the rule of law and the protection of human rights in Georgia; notes in this regard attempts by Georgian Dream officials to align themselves on these issues with US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk;

    10. Deplores efforts by Hungary and Slovakia to block EU targeted sanctions against Georgian Dream officials at the December 2024 Foreign Affairs Council; reiterates its call on the Council to impose, without delay, individual sanctions on the officials and political leaders in Georgia who are responsible for the democratic backsliding, violations of electoral laws and standards, brutality by police and their proxies and the ill treatment of detainees, administrative abuses and misuse of state institutions, such as Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Mayor of Tbilisi and Secretary General of the ruling Georgian Dream party Kakha Kaladze, Speaker of the Georgian Parliament Shalva Papuashvili, and Chairman of the Georgian Dream party Irakli Garibashvili, and to extend these sanctions to judges passing politically motivated sentences; reiterates its call on the Council and the EU’s democratic partners, in particular the UK, to impose immediate and targeted personal sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili and to freeze all his assets for his role in the deterioration of the political process in Georgia and for acting against the country’s constitutionally declared interests, including efforts to restore Russia’s sphere of influence over the country;

    11. Welcomes in this regard the sanctions imposed bilaterally by Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania; encourages other Member States, especially those hosting relevant assets, to similarly impose targeted sanctions against Georgian Dream officials, in particular Mr Ivanishvili, in a coordinated fashion, if EU level sanctions fail to be adopted in the Council; calls on France to revoke Ivanishvili’s Légion d’honneur;

    12. Reiterates its call for the EU and the Member States to adjust and accelerate the EU funding mechanisms for Georgian civil society and independent media to help make them resilient against efforts by the Georgian Government to cut off their financial lifeline; calls for the focus of that funding to reflect adjusted project needs in the context of a more hostile and anti-democratic environment; stresses that both fresh EU funding for Georgian civil society and the effective allocation of funding is more important than ever now that President Trump has frozen all such funding from the US; stresses that in Georgia’s increasingly repressive climate there is a rapidly growing need for EU and Member State emergency support for Georgian civil society and media, including core operational support, as well as support in countering disinformation;

    13. Calls for targeted sanctions on the financial sector of Georgia, as well as political and financial divestment away from planned connectivity projects, in order to disincentive Georgian Dream’s efforts to become a thriving hub for (illicit) Russian financial markets, and a key ‘partner of necessity’ for the West in the Caucasus in the Middle Corridor; stresses that there can be no deep political and economic relations between Georgia and the EU without Georgia upholding fundamental rights and the Georgian Constitution;

    14. Calls on VP/HR Kallas and Commissioner Kos, along with Magdalena Grono as the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia, to travel to Georgia at their earliest convenience in order to meet with civil society and democratic/pro-European opposition leaders, express support for political prisoners, and more broadly show that the EU has not forgotten those in Georgia protesting for democracy and human rights; expresses its continued support for the efforts of Georgia’s fifth President, Salome Zourabichvili, who continues to represent Georgia’s democratic ambitions;

    15. Calls for an immediate and comprehensive audit of EU policy towards Georgia in the context of the halt in the country’s EU accession process; calls on the Commission, in this regard, to conduct a review of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement, in particular Georgia’s adherence to the requirements of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement and its general principles;

    16. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the European External Action Service, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, and to the President, Prime Minister and Parliament of Georgia.

     

     

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo – B10-0105/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Thierry Mariani, Jordan Bardella, Pierre‑Romain Thionnet, Matthieu Valet, Nikola Bartůšek
    on behalf of the PfE Group

    B10‑0105/2025

    European Parliament resolution on the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

    (2025/2553(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

     having regard to its previous resolutions on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), notably those of 18 January 2018[1] and 24 November 2022[2], which address ongoing conflicts and humanitarian concerns in the region,

     having regard to its resolution of 17 January 2008 on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and rape as a war crime[3] and to its previous resolutions on human rights abuses in the DRC,

     having regard to the declaration of 25 January 2025 by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR), Kaja Kallas, on behalf of the EU on the security situation in the Kivu,

     having regard to the Council conclusions of 9 December 2019 on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which outline the EU’s strategic approach to the DRC,

     having regard to UN Security Council resolutions on the DRC, notably Resolution 2765 (2024) adopted on 20 December 2024, which extended the mandate of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) until 20 December 2025, and Resolution 2688 (2023) of 27 June 2023, which renewed the DRC sanctions regime until 1 July 2024,

     having regard to Regulation (EU) 2017/821 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2017, laying down supply chain due diligence obligations for Union importers of tin, tantalum, tungsten, their ores, and gold originating from conflict-affected and high-risk areas[4],

     having regard to the Partnership Agreement between the EU and its Member States, of the one part, and the Members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, of the other part[5] (the Samoa Agreement),

     having regard to the Addis Ababa Peace, Security, and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region, signed on 24 February 2013 under the auspices of the African Union and the United Nations, which aimed to address the root causes of instability in the DRC by promoting regional cooperation, respecting state sovereignty and ending external support to armed groups,

     having regard to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which was adopted on 27 June 1981 and entered into force on 21 October 1986,

     having regard to UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) on Women, Peace and Security, which was adopted unanimously on 31 October 2000,

     having regard to the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, adopted on 18 February 2006,

     having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Charter of the United Nations,

     having regard to Report S/2024/432 by the Group of Experts on the DRC to the President of the UN Security Council,

     having regard to Report S/2024/969 by the Group of Experts on the DRC to the President of the UN Security Council,

     having regard to the UN Security Council press statement of 26 January 2025 on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, reaffirming the international community’s commitment to the DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,

     having regard to the memorandum of understanding signed on 19 February 2024 between the European Union and Rwanda concerning sustainable and resilient value chains for critical raw materials,

     having regard to Rule 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas the DRC has faced decades of ongoing armed conflicts, particularly in the eastern regions of North and South Kivu, fuelled by local, regional and international actors;

    B. whereas since 1998, the conflict in the DRC has resulted in the deaths of more than 5.4 million people, predominantly civilians, making it the most protracted and deadly conflict since World War II;

    C. whereas a significant proportion of these fatalities have been children, who have endured violence and suffered from malnutrition and preventable diseases exacerbated by the ongoing instability;

    D. whereas to this day, the DRC continues to suffer violence, attacks, killings and widespread human rights violations perpetrated by domestic and foreign armed groups, notably in the east of the country;

    E. whereas the Congo River Alliance and its principal member, the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group, with documented support from Rwanda, has recently escalated hostilities in North Kivu, culminating in the recent seizure of Goma, the capital city of North Kivu, in direct violation of the DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity;

    F. whereas numerous UN reports, including findings from the UN Group of Experts on the DRC, have repeatedly documented Rwanda’s military, logistical and financial support to M23, despite official denials from the Rwandan Government;

    G. whereas the ongoing conflict has resulted in widespread human rights violations, including mass killings, sexual violence, forced displacement and the forced recruitment of soldiers, creating one of Africa’s worst protracted humanitarian crises;

    H. whereas rape and sexual violence are systematically used as a weapon of war by the M23 rebel group, as documented by numerous human rights organisations and UN reports;

    I. whereas over 700 000 people have been forcibly displaced as a result of the escalating violence in the Kivu regions, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation in refugee camps and informal settlements;

    J. whereas the recent escalation of violence in the eastern DRC has resulted in the tragic deaths of over 3 000 civilians and the loss of 13 MONUSCO peacekeepers;

    K. whereas armed groups, including M23, continue to illegally exploit the DRC’s vast mineral resources, including coltan, cobalt and gold, fuelling conflict financing and depriving the Congolese people of their national wealth;

    L. whereas the EU signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Rwanda in February 2024 regarding sustainable value chains for critical raw materials, despite growing concerns over Rwanda’s role in the illicit exploitation of DRC minerals; whereas this MoU cannot ensure supply chain due diligence as it relies solely on the seller’s self-declarations, providing no verifiable proof of traceability;

    M. whereas Rwanda’s President, Paul Kagame, was re-elected on 15 July 2024 with 99.18 % of the vote, extending his 24-year rule by another five years, amid widespread concerns over the absence of political freedom in Rwanda;

    N. whereas MONUSCO, the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC, has been in the country for over two decades, yet continues to struggle to prevent large-scale violence and human rights violations;

    O. whereas the African Union (AU), the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have the potential to play a greater role in peacekeeping and regional stabilisation, complementing MONUSCO and other diplomatic efforts, provided that such initiatives align with the sovereignty and wishes of the DRC;

    P. whereas regional efforts, including the Luanda Process led by Angolan President João Lourenço, have sought to mediate between the DRC and Rwanda, though continued hostilities have undermined diplomatic progress;

    Q. whereas the Great Lakes region remains highly fragile, and a full-scale war between the DRC and Rwanda would not only inflict immense suffering on Congolese civilians, but also destabilise the broader east and central African region;

    R. whereas, at the initiative of Kenyan President William Ruto, a joint SADC-EAC summit was held on 7 and 8 February 2025, providing an opportunity for political dialogue between the DRC and Rwanda;

    1. Unequivocally condemns the seizure of Goma by the M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, as a grave violation of the DRC’s sovereignty and a threat to regional stability; denounces Rwanda’s documented support for M23 and demands its immediate cessation;

    2. Reaffirms its unwavering support for the stability of the region and calls for full respect for the territorial integrity of the DRC; emphasises the importance of respecting international borders and the sovereignty of nations; condemns any actions that seek to undermine these principles;

    3. Strongly condemns the grave human rights violations committed in Kivu, including pillaging, mass rapes and forced displacement, which have triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, displacing over 230 000 more people; notes that the North and South Kivu provinces are already home to over 4.6 million internally displaced people, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees;

    4. Expresses its deepest condolences to the families of the 13 MONUSCO soldiers who lost their lives while carrying out their peacekeeping mission, and to the families of the 3 000 civilians killed in the ongoing violence;

    5. Denounces the systematic exploitation and illegal extraction of the DRC’s natural resources, particularly ores and critical raw materials, by armed groups; notes that this plundering not only deprives the Congolese people of their national wealth, but also fuels the conflict, as revenues from these resources are used to finance rebel activities;

    6. Condemns the perpetuation of modern slavery within the mining sectors of the region, especially in artisanal mines; notes that miners, including children, are subjected to inhumane working conditions, forced labour and severe exploitation;

    7. Expresses deep concern over M23’s recent offensive in South Kivu and the inflammatory rhetoric propagated by the Rwanda-backed rebel alliance; worries about the potential for such actions to further destabilise the region, incite ethnic tensions and undermine efforts toward peace;

    8. Notes the unilateral ceasefire declared by M23; points out that while this development may offer a temporary respite from active hostilities, the Congolese Government has described this ceasefire as a ‘false communication’ amid reports of ongoing violence;

    9. Expresses profound concern over Rwanda’s escalating militarisation and the potential escalation of the conflict into a full-scale war, which could destabilise the entire Great Lakes region; underscores the importance of diplomacy and calls on all regional actors to engage constructively to avert spillover effects that could lead to a broader crisis;

    10. Highlights the opaque roles of some neighbouring countries in the conflict, particularly Uganda; calls for transparency and accountability from all external parties involved;

    11. Takes note of the Commission’s announcement of humanitarian support for the DRC, with an initial amount of EUR 60 million for 2025; calls for further improvements in humanitarian aid, including food, clean water, medical assistance and shelter, with a focus on protecting women and children;

    12. Notes that humanitarian assistance must be delivered in full respect of humanitarian principles; calls on the Commission to ensure that EU funding is effectively implemented, directly benefiting local communities and delivering real value to them;

    13. Emphasises the severe environmental threats posed by the conflict, particularly to the Virunga National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site; recalls that its unique wildlife has been historically plagued by poaching, deforestation and habitat destruction, exacerbated by local instability; calls for immediate measures to safeguard these natural treasures by all parties on the ground;

    14. Urges the Commission to immediately suspend and review the EU-Rwanda MoU on critical raw materials in a transparent manner, given Rwanda’s role in destabilising the DRC; notes that the MoU, signed in February 2024, is under scrutiny amid allegations that Rwanda is exploiting DRC resources to fuel the conflict; highlights that Pillar 3 of the MoU, which claims to strengthen due diligence and traceability through Rwanda’s engagement with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, mine-level data publication and scientific verification of mineral origins, lacks credibility as it relies solely on the seller’s self-declarations, providing no verifiable proof of traceability;

    15. Urges the Commission to immediately freeze and review financial assistance, development and security cooperation programmes with Rwanda in response to its ongoing destabilisation of the DRC; underlines that, according to Article 101(7) of the Samoa Agreement, funding from the EU could be resumed and modulated based on the conclusions of the Commission’s review;

    16. Expresses its dismay at the Commission’s passivity towards ongoing atrocities in Kivu, which have persisted for years; calls for a thorough investigation into Rwanda’s mineral supply chains to ensure that the EU’s prerogatives in the region – as per the obligations of each party in the agreements signed thus far – are respected;

    17. Demands the establishment of a common security and defence policy training mission for the DRC’s army to enhance its capacity to protect civilians, counter armed groups and stabilise the conflict zone, tailored to its actual operational needs on the ground;

    18. Acknowledges the need to reassess MONUSCO’s effectiveness, given its prolonged presence and limited impact in preventing large-scale atrocities despite its mandate and resources; calls on the UN to evaluate its strategy and peacekeeping capacity;

    19. Welcomes the regional efforts towards reconciliation, such as the Luanda Process, chaired by Angolan President João Lourenço, and the joint SADC-EAC summit in Tanzania; encourages the DRC and Rwanda to engage in political dialogue and promote reconciliation in this context;

    20. Welcomes the recent efforts of the AU, the EAC and the SADC and invites them to play a greater role in stabilisation through African-led initiatives that complement MONUSCO, while respecting the DRC’s wishes and sovereignty;

    21. Renews its endorsement of an African-led peace process to resolve the conflict in the eastern DRC; calls for the return of all parties to the negotiating table; urges all parties to engage constructively in dialogue to achieve a sustainable and peaceful resolution to the war, in line with the communiqué adopted by the Peace and Security Council of the AU at its 1256th Emergency Ministerial meeting;

    22. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the UN Security Council, the Presidents, Prime Ministers and Parliaments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, and the African Union and its institutions.

     

     

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia – B10-0107/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    B10‑0107/2025

    European Parliament resolution on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia

    (2025/2522(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

     having regard to its previous resolutions on Georgia, in particular that of 28 November 2024 on Georgia’s worsening democratic crisis following the recent parliamentary elections and alleged electoral fraud[1],

     having regard to the European Council conclusions of 14 and 15 December 2023 and of 27 June 2024,

     having regard to the Commission communication of 8 November 2023 entitled ‘2023 Communication on EU Enlargement Policy’ (COM(2023)0690) and to the accompanying Commission staff working document of 8 November 2023 entitled ‘Georgia 2023 Report’ (SWD(2023)0697),

     having regard to the joint statement of 8 November 2023 by the Chair of the Delegation for relations with the South Caucasus and the European Parliament’s Standing Rapporteur on Georgia on the Commission recommendation of 8 November 2023 on the EU membership application of Georgia,

     having regard to the Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and Georgia, of the other part[2], which entered into force on 1 July 2016,

     having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, in particular Article 215(2) thereof, and to the Treaty on European Union, in particular Article 29 thereof,

     having regard to the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Conflict in Georgia and to its September 2009 report,

     having regard to the final conclusions of the international election observation mission relating to the parliamentary elections of 26 October 2024,

     having regard to Rule 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas the exercise of freedom of opinion, expression, association and peaceful assembly is a fundamental right enshrined in the Georgian constitution;

    B. whereas Georgia, as a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights and a member of the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), has committed itself to the principles of democracy, the rule of law and respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights;

    C. whereas Russia has illegally occupied Abkhazia and South Ossetia since the August 2008 conflict that followed Georgia’s attack on Tskhinvali on the night of 7 to 8 August 2008;

    D. whereas in June 2014, the EU and Georgia signed an Association Agreement that entered into force on 1 July 2016;

    E. whereas in December 2023, the European Council granted Georgia the status of EU candidate country;

    F. whereas in March 2017, the EU visa facilitation agreement with Georgia came into effect, following Georgia’s successful implementation of all the benchmarks set in its visa liberalisation action plan;

    G. whereas on 27 January 2025, the Council decided to suspend parts of the EU-Georgia visa facilitation agreement, specifically affecting diplomats and officials, who may now be required to apply for a visa when travelling to the EU;

    H. whereas on 28 November 2024, in response to the European Parliament’s November 2024 resolution on Georgia, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that Georgia would suspend accession talks until the end of 2028 and refuse all EU budget support; whereas he also stated that by 2028, Georgia would be ‘more prepared than any other candidate country to open accession talks with Brussels and become a Member State in 2030’;

    I. whereas the parliamentary elections held on 26 October 2024 were the first to take place in Georgia under a fully proportional electoral system and were also the first elections to be held since Georgia was granted the status of EU candidate country in December 2023;

    J. whereas the legal framework in Georgia provides an adequate basis for conducting democratic elections, but several long-standing recommendations of the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Venice Commission remain unaddressed, despite numerous reforms;

    K. whereas on 16 November 2024, the Georgian electoral authority announced the official results of the country’s parliamentary elections, confirming that the ruling Georgian Dream party had won 89 seats in the 150-seat parliament after receiving 53.93 % of the vote, while four opposition parties had passed the 5 % threshold and had received a combined 37.44 % share of the vote;

    L. whereas the international election observation mission on the parliamentary elections in Georgia comprised 529 observers from 42 countries, including 380 expert observers deployed by the ODIHR, 60 parliamentarians and staff from the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, 39 from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, 38 from the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and 12 from the European Parliament;

    M. whereas the election campaign in Georgia was competitive and generally allowed contestants to campaign freely, but was marred by the use of highly divisive rhetoric and imagery, as well as isolated incidents of violence, event disruptions, verbal abuse and the destruction of campaign materials, as reported by both ruling and opposition parties;

    N. whereas the administration of the elections was generally orderly, but they took place in a tense environment, with overcrowding in many polling stations and several incidents of physical altercations and intimidation;

    O. whereas President Salome Zourabichvili publicly accused the Georgian Government of electoral fraud and irregularities in the recent parliamentary elections; whereas President Zourabichvili subsequently refused to testify before the Georgian Prosecutor’s Office regarding these allegations;

    P. whereas Mikheil Kavelashvili was sworn in as President of Georgia on 29 December 2024; whereas the outgoing President, Salome Zourabichvili, refused to step down despite the official end of her term of office; whereas opposition parties boycotted the Georgian Parliament in protest;

    Q. whereas Georgia has over 26 000 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) – 1 for every 142 citizens, which is greater than the EU average;

    R. whereas following the 2020 parliamentary elections, the NGO International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy, which received external funding, challenged the official election results and questioned their legitimacy, but later admitted that it had made a significant error in its calculations;

    S. whereas the Parliament of Georgia adopted the ‘transparency of foreign influence’ law, which was signed into law on 3 June 2024 despite the President’s veto; whereas the law was met with protest from parts of Georgian civil society; whereas the law requires organisations receiving more than 20 % of their funding from overseas to register as ‘agents of foreign influence’;

    T. whereas on 17 September 2024, the Parliament of Georgia adopted the ‘family values and the protection of minors’ law, which bans gender transition, prohibits adoption by gay and transgender people, nullifies, on Georgian territory, same-sex marriages performed abroad, and provides a legal basis for the authorities to outlaw Pride events and public displays of the LGBTQI+ rainbow flag and to impose the censorship of films and books;

    U. whereas the Venice Commission stresses that, in accordance with international standards, the state has a positive obligation to ensure gender equality; whereas on 4 April 2024, the Parliament of Georgia repealed the 2020 amendments introducing gender quotas for candidate lists in parliamentary and local elections, and abolished the associated financial incentives for political parties;

    V. whereas the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been operating in Georgia since 1992; whereas Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze claimed that USAID funding was not directed toward genuine humanitarian objectives but was instead being used to ‘stage revolutions, sow disorder and destabilise countries, including Georgia’; whereas US President Donald Trump implemented a 90-day freeze on US foreign assistance to reassess its alignment with national interests;

    1. Recalls that the EU accession process is based on objective criteria; regrets the European Council’s decision to suspend financial assistance to Georgia; underlines the benefits of the visa facilitation agreement and the need to maintain it; emphasises the need for a constructive dialogue between the Government of Georgia and the EU; calls on the Government of Georgia to uphold its commitments to reform and continue implementing the necessary measures for its EU accession process;

    2. Stresses that Georgia’s future must be determined by the will of its people, free from external pressure or interference; emphasises that Georgia’s sovereignty and political trajectory should reflect the aspirations of its citizens; condemns any attempts, whether foreign or domestic, to undermine Georgia’s democratic institutions;

    3. Takes note of the final report of the international election observation mission, which stated that the overall legal framework in Georgia provides an adequate basis for conducting democratic elections, that voters were offered a wide choice of 18 candidate lists, that contestants could generally campaign freely and that the administration of the elections was generally orderly; is alarmed that these elections took place in a polarised environment and on an uneven playing field, and that there were reports of pressure on voters and cases where ballot secrecy was potentially compromised;

    4. Takes note of the results of the parliamentary elections that took place in Georgia on 26 October 2024; calls on all sides to work together constructively and peacefully and observe the rule of law, and to address the long-standing recommendations of the ODIHR and the Venice Commission with regard to elections and the increasing polarisation of Georgian society; calls for the EU to enter into a holistic and purposeful dialogue with the new Government of Georgia; calls on all foreign actors to respect the outcome of the elections;

    5. Rejects, with deep concern, the adoption of the ‘family values and the protection of minors’ law, and considers it an attack on the LGBTQI+ community and a threat to civil liberties as a whole; rejects, furthermore, the law’s implications for the media, given that it imposes censorship by banning broadcasters from reporting freely on LGBTQI+ issues; reiterates that media freedom and tolerance towards sexual minorities are key features of a functioning democracy;

    6. Notes that the ‘transparency of foreign influence’ law entails the risk that NGOs, civil society organisations, opposition media outlets and other organisations that receive funds from other countries will be labelled ‘foreign agents’;

    7. Emphasises that the rights to freedom of expression and assembly and to peaceful protest are fundamental freedoms and must be respected in all circumstances; expresses concern over reports of the unnecessary and disproportionate use of force against demonstrators; highlights the statement by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, that ‘[a]ny restrictions to these rights must abide by principles of legality, necessity and proportionality’ and that ‘[t]he use of force during protests should always be exceptional and a measure of last resort when facing an imminent threat’;

    8. Emphasises that foreign assistance for humanitarian and development purposes must be allocated on the basis of need and human dignity, not geopolitical interests; stresses that such aid should remain impartial, transparent and focused on social and economic well-being, rather than serving as a tool for political leverage or interference;

    9. Regrets the Georgian Parliament’s decision to abolish mandatory gender quotas; reiterates the need for balanced gender representation in political participation; regrets the under-representation of women in the electoral process; calls on the Government of Georgia to undertake initiatives in this regard;

    10. Takes note of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s statements at a press conference at the UN General Assembly in New York and the corresponding willingness of Georgian officials to resolve outstanding issues in a peaceful, diplomatic way; encourages both sides to undertake solid initiatives to this end;

    11. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the President, Government and Parliament of Georgia.

     

     

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI: Royalty Pharma Reports Q4 and Full Year 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Portfolio Receipts of $742 million in Q4 2024 and $2,801 million for FY 2024
    • Royalty Receipts growth of 12% in Q4 2024 and 13% for FY 2024
    • Net cash provided by operating activities of $743 million in Q4 2024 and $2,769 million for FY 2024
    • Full year 2025 guidance: Portfolio Receipts expected to be $2,900 to $3,050 million excluding future transactions

    NEW YORK, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Royalty Pharma plc (Nasdaq: RPRX) today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2024 and introduced full year 2025 guidance for Portfolio Receipts.

    “We had an incredibly successful 2024, delivering double-digit growth in Royalty Receipts, which was significantly above our initial guidance, and deploying $2.8 billion of capital on value-enhancing royalties” said Pablo Legorreta, Royalty Pharma’s founder and Chief Executive Officer. “We are very excited for the opportunities ahead as the fundamentals of our business have never been stronger. Additionally, we have already taken two major steps at the start of 2025 to enhance shareholder value, announcing the acquisition of our external manager, which is expected to result in multiple financial and strategic benefits, and a new $3 billion share repurchase program, which highlights the confidence we have in our business and the attractive value we see in our shares. With a robust transaction pipeline and significant financial flexibility, I am confident that Royalty Pharma is well positioned to deliver attractive, compounding growth over the long term.”

    Strong Royalty Receipts growth; Portfolio Receipts growth impacted by a high base of comparison

    • Royalty Receipts grew 12% to $729 million in the fourth quarter and 13% to $2,771 million for full year 2024, driven by strong performance from Evrysdi, the CF franchise, Trelegy, Tremfya and new royalty acquisitions.
    • Portfolio Receipts increased 1% to $742 million in the fourth quarter of 2024; Portfolio Receipts decreased 8% from $3,049 million to $2,801 million for full year 2024, largely reflecting $525 million in Biohaven-related milestone payments received in 2023.

    Capital Deployment of $2.8 billion in 2024 with royalties on eight new therapies added to the portfolio

    • Record year for synthetic royalty transactions for Royalty Pharma with $925 million announced in 2024.
    • Significantly expanded development-stage portfolio by acquiring royalties on four potential new therapies.

    Exciting new product launches expected across the royalty portfolio in 2025

    • Royalty Pharma to benefit in 2025 from new product launches, including Servier’s Voranigo, Bristol Myers Squibb’s Cobenfy, Ascendis’ Yorvipath, Syndax and Incyte’s Niktimvo and Geron’s Rytelo.

    Financial guidance for full year 2025 (excludes contribution from future transactions)

    • Royalty Pharma expects 2025 Portfolio Receipts to be between $2,900 million and $3,050 million, representing expected growth of 4% to 9%.

    Financial & Liquidity Summary

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,
    Twelve Months Ended
    December 31,
      (unaudited)
    ($ and shares in millions) 2024 2023 Change 2024 2023 Change
    Portfolio Receipts 742 736 1% 2,801 3,049 (8)%
    Net cash provided by operating activities 743 773 (4)% 2,769 2,988 (7)%
    Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)* 669 682 (2)% 2,565 2,806 (9)%
    Portfolio Cash Flow (non-GAAP)* 678 687 (1)% 2,452 2,708 (9)%
    Weighted average Class A ordinary shares outstanding – diluted 589 598 (1)% 594 603 (1)%

    *See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section. Adjusted EBITDA and Portfolio Cash Flow are non-GAAP liquidity measures calculated in accordance with the credit agreement.

    Portfolio Receipts Highlights

          Three Months Ended December 31,
          (unaudited)
    ($ in millions)     2024 2023 Change
    Products: Marketers: Therapeutic Area:      
    Cystic fibrosis franchise Vertex Rare disease 237 207 14%
    Trelegy GSK Respiratory 74 60 23%
    Tysabri Biogen Neuroscience 61 68 (11)%
    Evrysdi Roche Rare disease 56 20 182%
    Xtandi Pfizer, Astellas Cancer 46 38 20%
    Imbruvica AbbVie, J&J Cancer 46 50 (10)%
    Promacta Novartis Hematology 44 44 (1)%
    Tremfya Johnson & Johnson Immunology 39 35 11%
    Cabometyx/Cometriq Exelixis, Ipsen, Takeda Cancer 20 18 11%
    Spinraza Biogen Rare disease 15 17 (13)%
    Orladeyo BioCryst Rare disease 11 8 36%
    Trodelvy Gilead Cancer 11 10 10%
    Erleada Johnson & Johnson Cancer 11 9 25%
    Nurtec ODT/Zavzpret Pfizer Neuroscience 7 5 49%
    Other products(5) 54 63 (14)%
    Royalty Receipts 729 651 12%
    Milestones and other contractual receipts 13 84 (85)%
    Portfolio Receipts 742 736 1%

    Results for full year 2024 and 2023 are shown in Table 5. Amounts shown in the table may not add due to rounding.

    Royalty Receipts was $729 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, an increase of 12% as compared to $651 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. The increase was primarily driven by strong growth from Evrysdi, the cystic fibrosis franchise, Trelegy, Xtandi and Tremfya. Royalty receipts from Evrysdi included the benefit of the additional royalties acquired in October 2023 and June 2024.

    Portfolio Receipts was $742 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, an increase of 1% as compared to $736 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. The increase was primarily driven by the same Royalty Receipts increases noted above, offset by a decrease in milestones and other contractual receipts, which reflected a $50 million payment related to the oral formulation of zavegepant in the prior period.

    Liquidity and Capital Resources

    Royalty Pharma’s liquidity and capital resources are summarized below:

    As of December 31, 2024, Royalty Pharma had cash and cash equivalents of $929 million and total debt with principal value of $7.8 billion.

    During the fourth quarter of 2024, Royalty Pharma repurchased approximately two million Class A ordinary shares for $50 million. For full year 2024, Royalty Pharma repurchased approximately eight million Class A ordinary shares for $230 million. The weighted-average number of diluted Class A ordinary shares outstanding for the fourth quarter of 2024 was 589 million as compared to 598 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. The weighted-average number of diluted Class A ordinary shares outstanding for full year 2024 was 594 million as compared to 603 million for full year 2023.

    In January 2025, Royalty Pharma’s Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program under which Royalty Pharma may repurchase up to $3.0 billion of its Class A ordinary shares. Royalty Pharma intends to repurchase $2.0 billion of its shares in 2025, subject to market conditions. The total value of shares repurchased will depend on the discount to the intrinsic value at which its Class A ordinary shares are trading. This new share repurchase program replaces the unused $465 million of the company’s original $1.0 billion share repurchase program that was announced in March 2023.

    Liquidity Summary

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,
    Twelve Months Ended
    December 31,
      (unaudited)
    ($ in millions) 2024   2023   2024   2023  
    Portfolio Receipts 742   736   2,801   3,049  
    Payments for operating and professional costs (72)   (54)   (236)   (243)  
    Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) 669   682   2,565   2,806  
    Interest received/(paid), net 8   5   (113)   (98)  
    Portfolio Cash Flow (non-GAAP) 678   687   2,452   2,708  

    Amounts may not add due to rounding.

    • Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) was $669 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as Portfolio Receipts minus payments for operating and professional costs.
    • Portfolio Cash Flow (non-GAAP) was $678 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. Portfolio Cash Flow is calculated as Adjusted EBITDA minus interest paid or received, net. This measure reflects the cash generated by Royalty Pharma’s business that can be redeployed into value-enhancing royalty acquisitions, used to repay debt, returned to shareholders through dividends or share purchases, or utilized for other discretionary investments.

    Refer to Table 4 for Royalty Pharma’s reconciliation of each non-GAAP measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, net cash provided by operating activities.

    Capital Deployment was $522 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, consisting primarily of the acquisitions of royalties on Niktimvo and Rytelo. Capital Deployment reflects cash payments during the period for new and previously announced transactions. Capital Deployment was $2.8 billion for full year 2024.

    The table below details Capital Deployment by category:

    Capital Deployment

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,
    Twelve Months Ended
    December 31,
      (unaudited)
    ($ in millions) 2024   2023   2024   2023  
    Acquisitions of financial royalty assets (496)   (1,002)   (2,506)   (2,116)  
    Development-stage funding payments – upfront and milestone       (50)  
    Development-stage funding payments – ongoing (1)   (1)   (2)   (2)  
    Purchases of available for sale debt securities     (150)    
    Milestone payments (25)     (75)   (12)  
    Investments in equity method investees   (2)   (11)   (13)  
    Acquisitions of other financial assets     (18)    
    Contributions from legacy non-controlling interests – R&D 0   0   1   1  
    Capital Deployment (522)   (1,005)   (2,761)   (2,192)  

    Amounts may not add due to rounding.

    In January 2025, Royalty Pharma announced the sale of the MorphoSys Development Funding Bonds for $511 million in upfront cash (press release). This payment, combined with payments previously received, results in total cash proceeds of $530 million on the $300 million investment that was made in September 2022. The proceeds strengthen Royalty Pharma’s balance sheet and provide added flexibility to pursue its disciplined capital allocation strategy.

    Royalty Transactions

    For full year 2024, Royalty Pharma announced new transactions of up to approximately $2.8 billion. The announced transactions amount reflects the entire amount of capital committed for new transactions during the year, including potential future milestones.

    Recent transactions include:

    • In November 2024, Royalty Pharma acquired a synthetic royalty on Rytelo from Geron Corporation for an upfront payment of $125 million (press release). Rytelo is approved for the treatment of certain adult patients with low- to intermediate-1 risk myelodysplastic syndromes with transfusion-dependent anemia. Following the acquisition, Royalty Pharma is entitled to receive tiered royalties on U.S. net sales on Rytelo.
    • In November 2024, Royalty Pharma acquired a synthetic royalty on Niktimvo from Syndax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for an upfront payment of $350 million (press release). Niktimvo is approved for the treatment of chronic graft-versus-host disease and will be co-commercialized by Incyte. Following the acquisition, Royalty Pharma is entitled to receive royalties on U.S. net sales on Niktimvo.

    The information in this section should be read together with Royalty Pharma’s reports and documents filed with the SEC at www.sec.gov and the reader is also encouraged to review all other press releases and information available in the Investors section of Royalty Pharma’s website at www.royaltypharma.com.

    Internalization Transaction

    In January 2025, Royalty Pharma agreed to acquire its external manager, RP Management, LLC (the “Manager”) (press release). This transaction to simplify Royalty Pharma’s corporate structure is expected to result in multiple benefits for shareholders. On a financial basis, the acquisition is expected to reduce costs and enhance economic returns on investments. Specifically, the acquisition will generate cash savings of greater than $100 million in 2026, rising to greater than $175 million in 2030 and driving cumulative savings of greater than $1.6 billion over ten years. The acquisition also increases shareholder alignment, enhances corporate governance, ensures management continuity and simplifies Royalty Pharma’s corporate structure.

    The total transaction value of approximately $1.1 billion(7) consists of approximately 24.5 million shares of Royalty Pharma equity that will vest over five to nine years, approximately $100 million in cash(8), and the assumption of $380 million of the Manager’s existing debt.

    The closing of the internalization transaction is subject to shareholders’ approval of the issuance of the share consideration and other customary closing conditions, including required regulatory approvals. The transaction is estimated to close during the second quarter of 2025.

    Key Developments Relating to the Portfolio

    The key developments related to Royalty Pharma’s royalty interests are discussed below based on disclosures from the marketers of the products.

    TEV-‘749 In January 2025, Teva announced that TEV-‘749 (olanzapine LAI) achieved Phase 3 targeted injections without PDSS (post-injection delirium/sedation syndrome), and the full safety presentation is expected in the second quarter of 2025.
    Cystic fibrosis franchise In December 2024, Vertex announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the new triple-combination modulator Alyftrek (vanzacaftor triple) for the treatment of cystic fibrosis in people ages 6 and older with at least one responsive mutation.

    In November 2024, Vertex announced that it had completed regulatory submissions for the vanzacaftor triple in the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Switzerland, and reviews are underway.

    Skytrofa In December 2024, Ascendis announced the U.S. FDA accepted for review its supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) in adult growth hormone deficiency for Skytrofa. The FDA set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) goal date of July 27, 2025.
    aficamten In December 2024, Cytokinetics announced that the FDA accepted its New Drug Application (NDA) for aficamten for the treatment of Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. The FDA has assigned the NDA a Prescription Drug User Fee Act date of September 26, 2025. Additionally, the European Medicines Agency validated the Marketing Authorization Application for aficamten, and it will now be reviewed by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP).
    Trodelvy In November 2024, Gilead announced plans to voluntarily withdraw the U.S. accelerated approval of Trodelvy for use in pre-treated adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer, following the results of the Phase 3 TROPiCS-04 trial.
    Airsupra In October 2024, AstraZeneca announced that positive high-level results from the BATURA Phase 3b trial showed Airsupra met the primary endpoint, demonstrating a statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in the risk of a severe exacerbation when used as an as-needed rescue medication in response to symptoms compared to as-needed albuterol. These positive results triggered a milestone payment from AstraZeneca, of which Royalty Pharma received its pro rata portion of $27 million in January 2025.
    MK-8189 In October 2024, Merck updated its public disclosures to remove MK-8189 from its pipeline chart and Royalty Pharma does not anticipate making a further investment in this program.
    pelabresib In October 2024, Novartis announced that based on its review of 48-week data from the Phase 3 MANIFEST-2 study, longer follow-up time is needed to determine the regulatory path for pelabresib in myelofibrosis. Novartis will continue to follow patients in MANIFEST-2 and evaluate the potential for additional studies to support registration.
    trontinemab In October 2024, Roche presented its latest Phase 1b/2a interim results for trontinemab at the Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s Disease (CTAD) conference, which demonstrated rapid and robust amyloid plaque depletion after 12 to 28 weeks of treatment and an overall favorable safety profile with very limited amyloid related imaging abnormalities (ARIA-E) observed.


    2025 Financial Outlook

    Royalty Pharma has provided guidance for full-year 2025, excluding new transactions and borrowings announced after the date of this release, as follows:

      Provided February 11, 2025
    Portfolio Receipts $2,900 million to $3,050 million
    (Growth of ~+4% to 9% year/year)
    Payments for operating and professional costs Approximately 10% of Portfolio Receipts(1)
    Interest paid $260 million

    The above Portfolio Receipts guidance represents expected growth of 4% to 9% in 2025. Royalty Pharma’s full-year 2025 guidance reflects a negligible estimated foreign exchange impact to Portfolio Receipts, assuming current foreign exchange rates prevail for the rest of 2025.

    2025 guidance for payments for operating and professional costs and interest paid does not reflect the impact of the internalization transaction announced on January 10, 2025 and will be updated following the closing of the internalization transaction, which is expected to be in the second quarter of 2025.

    Total interest paid is based on the semi-annual interest payment schedule of Royalty Pharma’s existing notes and is anticipated to be approximately $260 million in 2025. Interest paid is anticipated to be approximately $138 million in the first quarter of 2025, which includes the first interest payment on the $1.5 billion notes issued in June 2024. Interest paid in the third quarter of 2025 is anticipated to be $119 million. De minimis amounts are anticipated in the second and fourth quarter of 2025. These projections assume no additional debt financing in 2025, including no drawdown on the revolving credit facility. In 2024, Royalty Pharma collected interest of $46 million on its cash and cash equivalents.

    Royalty Pharma today provides this guidance based on its most up-to-date view of its prospects. This guidance assumes no major unforeseen adverse events or changes in foreign exchange rates and excludes the contributions from transactions announced subsequent to the date of this press release.

    Financial Results Call

    Royalty Pharma will host a conference call and simultaneous webcast to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2024 results today at 8:30 a.m., Eastern Time. Please visit the “Investors” page of the company’s website at https://www.royaltypharma.com/investors/events to obtain conference call information and to view the live webcast. A replay of the conference call and webcast will be archived on the company’s website for at least 30 days.

    About Royalty Pharma plc

    Founded in 1996, Royalty Pharma is the largest buyer of biopharmaceutical royalties and a leading funder of innovation across the biopharmaceutical industry, collaborating with innovators from academic institutions, research hospitals and non-profits through small and mid-cap biotechnology companies to leading global pharmaceutical companies. Royalty Pharma has assembled a portfolio of royalties which entitles it to payments based directly on the top-line sales of many of the industry’s leading therapies. Royalty Pharma funds innovation in the biopharmaceutical industry both directly and indirectly – directly when it partners with companies to co-fund late-stage clinical trials and new product launches in exchange for future royalties, and indirectly when it acquires existing royalties from the original innovators. Royalty Pharma’s current portfolio includes royalties on more than 35 commercial products, including Vertex’s Trikafta, GSK’s Trelegy, Roche’s Evrysdi, Johnson & Johnson’s Tremfya, Biogen’s Tysabri and Spinraza, AbbVie and Johnson & Johnson’s Imbruvica, Astellas and Pfizer’s Xtandi, Novartis’ Promacta, Pfizer’s Nurtec ODT and Gilead’s Trodelvy, and 14 development-stage product candidates.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    The information set forth herein does not purport to be complete or to contain all of the information you may desire. Statements contained herein are made as of the date of this document unless stated otherwise, and neither the delivery of this document at any time, nor any sale of securities, shall under any circumstances create an implication that the information contained herein is correct as of any time after such date or that information will be updated or revised to reflect information that subsequently becomes available or changes occurring after the date hereof.

    This document contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements that express the company’s opinions, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or projections regarding future events or future results, in contrast with statements that reflect historical facts. Examples include discussion of Royalty Pharma’s strategies, financing plans, growth opportunities, market growth and plans for capital deployment, plus the benefits of the benefits of the internalization transaction, including expected accretion, enhanced alignment with shareholders, increased investment returns, expectations regarding management continuity, transparency and governance, and the benefits of simplification to its structure. In some cases, you can identify such forward-looking statements by terminology such as “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “estimate,” “plan,” “seek,” “project,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could” or “should,” the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to the company. However, these forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of Royalty Pharma’s performance, and you should not place undue reliance on such statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to many risks, uncertainties and other variable circumstances, and other factors. Such risks and uncertainties may cause the statements to be inaccurate and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements. Many of these risks are outside of the company’s control and could cause its actual results to differ materially from those it thought would occur. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made only as of the date hereof. The company does not undertake, and specifically declines, any obligation to update any such statements or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any such statements to reflect future events or developments, except as required by law.

    Certain information contained in this document relates to or is based on studies, publications, surveys and other data obtained from third-party sources and the company’s own internal estimates and research. While the company believes these third-party sources to be reliable as of the date of this document, it has not independently verified, and makes no representation as to the adequacy, fairness, accuracy or completeness of, any information obtained from third-party sources. In addition, all of the market data included in this document involves a number of assumptions and limitations, and there can be no guarantee as to the accuracy or reliability of such assumptions. Finally, while the company believes its own internal research is reliable, such research has not been verified by any independent source.

    For further information, please reference Royalty Pharma’s reports and documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) by visiting EDGAR on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

    Portfolio Receipts

    Portfolio Receipts is a key performance metric that represents Royalty Pharma’s ability to generate cash from Royalty Pharma’s portfolio investments, the primary source of capital that is deployed to make new portfolio investments. Portfolio Receipts is defined as the sum of Royalty Receipts and Milestones and other contractual receipts. Royalty Receipts includes variable payments based on sales of products, net of contractual payments to the legacy non-controlling interests, that are attributed to Royalty Pharma.

    Milestones and other contractual receipts include sales-based or regulatory milestone payments and other fixed contractual receipts, net of contractual payments to legacy non-controlling interests, that are attributed to Royalty Pharma. Portfolio Receipts does not include proceeds from equity securities or proceeds from purchases and sales of marketable securities, both of which are not central to Royalty Pharma’s fundamental business strategy.

    Portfolio Receipts is calculated as the sum of the following line items from Royalty Pharma’s GAAP statements of cash flows: Cash collections from financial royalty assets, Cash collections from intangible royalty assets, Other royalty cash collections, Proceeds from available for sale debt securities and Distributions from equity method investees less Distributions to legacy non-controlling interests – Portfolio Receipts, which represent contractual distributions of Royalty Receipts, milestones and other contractual receipts to RPSFT and the Legacy Investors Partnerships. Distributions to RPSFT substantially ended in December 2023 when Royalty Pharma acquired the remaining interest in RPCT held by RPSFT.

    Use of Non-GAAP Measures

    Adjusted EBITDA and Portfolio Cash Flow are non-GAAP liquidity measures that exclude the impact of certain items and therefore have not been calculated in accordance with GAAP.

    Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA and Portfolio Cash Flow are important non-GAAP measures used to analyze liquidity because they are key components of certain material covenants contained within Royalty Pharma’s credit agreement. Royalty Pharma cautions readers that amounts presented in accordance with the definitions of Adjusted EBITDA and Portfolio Cash Flow may not be the same as similar measures used by other companies or analysts. These non-GAAP liquidity measures have limitations as analytical tools, and you should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for the analysis of Royalty Pharma’s results as reported under GAAP.

    The definitions of Adjusted EBITDA and Portfolio Cash Flow used by Royalty Pharma are the same as the definitions in the credit agreement. Noncompliance with the interest coverage ratio, leverage ratio and Portfolio Cash Flow ratio covenants under the credit agreement could result in lenders requiring the company to immediately repay all amounts borrowed. If Royalty Pharma cannot satisfy these covenants, it would be prohibited under the credit agreement from engaging in certain activities, such as incurring additional indebtedness, paying dividends, making certain payments, and acquiring and disposing of assets. Consequently, Adjusted EBITDA and Portfolio Cash Flow are critical to the assessment of Royalty Pharma’s liquidity.

    Adjusted EBITDA and Portfolio Cash Flow are used by management as key liquidity measures in the evaluation of the company’s ability to generate cash from operations. Management uses Adjusted EBITDA and Portfolio Cash Flow when considering available cash, including for decision-making purposes related to funding of acquisitions, debt repayments, dividends and other discretionary investments. Further, these non-GAAP liquidity measures help management, the audit committee and investors evaluate the company’s ability to generate liquidity from operating activities.

    The company has provided reconciliations of these non-GAAP liquidity measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, being net cash provided by operating activities in Table 4.

    Royalty Pharma Investor Relations and Communications

    +1 (212) 883-6772
    ir@royaltypharma.com

     
    Royalty Pharma plc
    Condensed Consolidated Operations (unaudited)
    Table 1
     
      Three Months Ended
    December 31,
    Twelve Months Ended
    December 31,
    ($ in millions) 2024   2023   2024   2023  
    Income and other revenues        
    Income from financial royalty assets 562   523   2,149   2,198  
    Other royalty income and revenues 32   73   114   157  
    Total income and other revenues 594   596   2,264   2,355  
    Operating expense/(income)        
    Provision for changes in expected cash flows from financial royalty assets 164   (77)   732   561  
    Research and development funding expense 1   1   2   52  
    General and administrative expenses 68   59   237   250  
    Total operating expense/(income), net 232   (17)   971   862  
    Operating income 362   613   1,292   1,492  
    Other (income)/expense        
    Equity in earnings of equity method investees (32)   (0)   (30)   (29)  
    Interest expense 66   47   226   187  
    Other income, net (7)   (152)   (234)   (366)  
    Total other expense/(income), net 27   (105)   (38)   (208)  
    Consolidated net income before tax 334   718   1,331   1,700  
    Income tax expense        
    Consolidated net income 334   718   1,331   1,700  
    Net income attributable to non-controlling interests 126   223   472   565  
    Net income attributable to Royalty Pharma plc 208   494   859   1,135  

    Amounts may not add due to rounding.

     
    Royalty Pharma plc
    Selected Balance Sheet Data (unaudited)
    Table 2
     
    ($ in millions) As of December 31, 2024 As of December 31, 2023
    Cash and cash equivalents 929 477
    Total current and non-current financial royalty assets, net 15,911 14,827
    Total assets 18,223 16,382
    Current portion of long-term debt 998
    Long-term debt, net of current portion 6,615 6,135
    Total liabilities 7,880 6,298
    Total shareholders’ equity 10,342 10,084
     
    Royalty Pharma plc
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
    Table 3
     
      Three Months Ended
    December 31,
    Twelve Months Ended
    December 31,
    ($ in millions) 2024   2023   2024   2023  
    Cash flows from operating activities:        
    Cash collections from financial royalty assets 777   747   2,983   3,201  
    Cash collections from intangible royalty assets 0   0   15   1  
    Other royalty cash collections 30   75   109   159  
    Distributions from equity method investees     13   19  
    Interest received 9   8   46   72  
    Development-stage funding payments – ongoing (1)   (1)   (2)   (2)  
    Development-stage funding payments – upfront and milestone       (50)  
    Payments for operating and professional costs (72)   (54)   (236)   (243)  
    Interest paid (1)   (3)   (160)   (169)  
    Net cash provided by operating activities 743   773   2,769   2,988  
    Cash flows from investing activities:        
    Distributions from equity method investees 3   5   24   44  
    Investments in equity method investees   (2)   (11)   (13)  
    Purchases of equity securities     (63)    
    Proceeds from equity securities     99    
    Purchases of available for sale debt securities     (150)    
    Proceeds from available for sale debt securities 13   1   20   1  
    Proceeds from sales and maturities of marketable securities       24  
    Acquisitions of financial royalty assets (496)   (1,002)   (2,506)   (2,116)  
    Acquisitions of other financial assets     (18)    
    Milestone payments (25)     (75)   (12)  
    Other   (2)   2   (2)  
    Net cash used in investing activities (506)   (1,000)   (2,678)   (2,073)  
    Cash flows from financing activities:        
    Distributions to legacy non-controlling interests – Portfolio Receipts (81)   (92)   (362)   (377)  
    Distributions to continuing non-controlling interests (31)   (24)   (125)   (120)  
    Dividends to shareholders (94)   (89)   (376)   (358)  
    Repurchases of Class A ordinary shares (53)   (30)   (230)   (305)  
    Contributions from legacy non-controlling interests – R&D 0   0   1   1  
    Contributions from non-controlling interests – other 1   1   4   7  
    Cash acquired in connection with purchase of non-controlling interest   5     5  
    Proceeds from revolving credit facility   350     350  
    Repayment of revolving credit facility   (350)     (350)  
    Repayment of long-term debt       (1,000)  
    Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of discount     1,471    
    Debt issuance costs and other 0   (2)   (13)   (2)  
    Other 0     (9)    
    Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities (258)   (232)   361   (2,149)  
    Net change in cash and cash equivalents (21)   (459)   452   (1,234)  
    Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 950   936   477   1,711  
    Cash and cash equivalents, end of period 929   477   929   477  

    Amounts may not add due to rounding.

     
    Royalty Pharma plc
    GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation (unaudited)
    Table 4
     
      Three Months Ended
    December 31,
    Twelve Months Ended
    December 31,
    ($ in millions) 2024   2023   2024   2023  
    Net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP) 743   773   2,769   2,988  
    Adjustments:        
    Proceeds from available for sale debt securities(6) 13   1   20   1  
    Distributions from equity method investees(6) 3   5   24   44  
    Interest (received)/paid, net(6) (8)   (5)   113   98  
    Development-stage funding payments – ongoing 1   1   2   2  
    Development-stage funding payments – upfront and milestone       50  
    Distributions to legacy non-controlling interests – Portfolio Receipts(6) (81)   (92)   (362)   (377)  
    Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) 669   682   2,565   2,806  
    Interest received/(paid), net(6) 8   5   (113)   (98)  
    Portfolio Cash Flow (non-GAAP) 678   687   2,452   2,708  

    Amounts may not add due to rounding.

     
    Royalty Pharma plc
    Fourth Quarter and Full Year Portfolio Receipts Highlights (unaudited)
    Table 5
     
      Three Months Ended December 31, Twelve Months Ended December 31,
    ($ in millions) 2024 2023 Change 2024 2023 Change
    Products:            
    Cystic fibrosis franchise 237 207 14% 857 771 11%
    Trelegy 74 60 23% 284 203 40%
    Tysabri 61 68 (11)% 262 279 (6)%
    Imbruvica 46 50 (10)% 191 210 (9)%
    Evrysdi 56 20 182% 174 66 163%
    Xtandi 46 38 20% 169 146 15%
    Promacta 44 44 (1)% 158 161 (2)%
    Tremfya 39 35 11% 140 116 20%
    Cabometyx/Cometriq 20 18 11% 73 66 10%
    Spinraza 15 17 (13)% 45 45 1%
    Trodelvy 11 10 10% 43 33 30%
    Erleada 11 9 25% 39 27 42%
    Orladeyo 11 8 36% 39 29 32%
    Nurtec ODT/Zavzpret 7 5 49% 26 18 39%
    Other products(5) 54 63 (14)% 273 277 (1)%
    Royalty Receipts 729 651 12% 2,771 2,449 13%
    Milestones and other contractual receipts 13 84 (85)% 31 599 (95)%
    Portfolio Receipts 742 736 1% 2,801 3,049 (8)%

    Amounts may not add due to rounding.

    Royalty Pharma plc
    Description of Approved Indications for Select Portfolio Therapies
    Table 6

    Cystic fibrosis franchise Cystic fibrosis
    Trelegy Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma
    Tysabri Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis
    Evrysdi Spinal muscular atrophy
    Xtandi Prostate cancer
    Imbruvica Hematological malignancies and chronic graft versus host disease
    Promacta Chronic immune thrombocytopenia purpura and aplastic anemia
    Tremfya Plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and ulcerative colitis
    Cabometyx / Cometriq Kidney, liver and thyroid cancer
    Spinraza Spinal muscular atrophy
    Orladeyo Hereditary angioedema
    Trodelvy Breast and bladder cancer
    Erleada Prostate cancer
    Nurtec ODT/Zavzpret Acute and preventative treatment of migraine


    Notes

    (1)  Portfolio Receipts is a key performance metric that represents Royalty Pharma’s ability to generate cash from Royalty Pharma’s portfolio investments, the primary source of capital that Royalty Pharma can deploy to make new portfolio investments. Portfolio Receipts is defined as the sum of Royalty Receipts and Milestones and other contractual receipts. Royalty Receipts include variable payments based on sales of products, net of contractual payments to the legacy non-controlling interests, that are attributed to Royalty Pharma (“Royalty Receipts”). Milestones and other contractual receipts include sales-based or regulatory milestone payments and other fixed contractual receipts, net of contractual payments to the legacy non-controlling interests, that are attributed to Royalty Pharma. Portfolio Receipts does not include proceeds from equity securities or proceeds from purchases and sales of marketable securities, both of which are not central to Royalty Pharma’s fundamental business strategy.

    Portfolio Receipts is calculated as the sum of the following line items from Royalty Pharma’s GAAP statements of cash flows: Cash collections from financial royalty assets, Cash collections from intangible royalty assets, Other royalty cash collections, Proceeds from available for sale debt securities and Distributions from equity method investees less Distributions to legacy non-controlling interests – Portfolio Receipts, which represent contractual distributions of Royalty Receipts and milestones and other contractual receipts to RPSFT and the Legacy Investors Partnerships. Distributions to RPSFT substantially ended in December 2023 when Royalty Pharma acquired the remaining interest in RPCT held by RPSFT.

    (2) Adjusted EBITDA is defined under the credit agreement as Portfolio Receipts minus payments for operating and professional costs. Operating and professional costs reflect Payments for operating and professional costs from the GAAP statements of cash flows. See GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliation in Table 4.

    (3) Portfolio Cash Flow is defined under the credit agreement as Adjusted EBITDA minus interest paid or received, net. See GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliation in Table 4. Portfolio Cash Flow reflects the cash generated by Royalty Pharma’s business that can be redeployed into value-enhancing royalty acquisitions, used to repay debt, returned to shareholders through dividends or share purchases or utilized for other discretionary investments.

    (4) Capital Deployment is calculated as the summation of the following line items from Royalty Pharma’s GAAP statements of cash flows: Investments in equity method investees, Purchases of available for sale debt securities, Acquisitions of financial royalty assets, Acquisitions of other financial assets, Milestone payments, Development-stage funding payments – ongoing, Development-stage funding payments – upfront and milestone less Contributions from legacy non-controlling interests – R&D.

    (5) Other products primarily include Royalty Receipts on the following products: Cimzia, Crysvita, Emgality, Entyvio, Farxiga/Onglyza, IDHIFA, Lexiscan, Nesina, Prevymis, Soliqua and distributions from the Legacy SLP Interest, which is presented as Distributions from equity method investees on the GAAP statements of cash flows.

    (6) The table below shows the line item for each adjustment and the direct location for such line item on the GAAP statements of cash flows.

    Reconciling Adjustment Statements of Cash Flows Classification
    Interest received/paid, net Operating activities (Interest paid less Interest received)
    Distributions from equity method investees Investing activities
    Proceeds from available for sale debt securities Investing activities
    Distributions to legacy non-controlling interests – Portfolio Receipts Financing activities

    (7) The total transaction value of approximately $1.1 billion is based on the closing price of Royalty Pharma plc common stock of $26.20 on January 8, 2025.

    (8) Consists of $200 million in cash less the amount of the management fees paid to the Manager from January 1, 2025 through the closing of the transaction.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo – B10-0133/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Adam Bielan, Carlo Fidanza, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Cristian Terheş, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Bogdan Rzońca, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Małgorzata Gosiewska
    on behalf of the ECR Group

    B10‑0133/2025

    European Parliament resolution on the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

    (2025/2553(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

     having regard to its previous resolutions on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC),

     having regard to Rule 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas the security situation, including the human rights situation, is deteriorating even further in the DRC, especially in the eastern parts of the country and specifically in the provinces of North and South Kivu; whereas North and South Kivu have endured long-lasting conflicts for over two decades; whereas severe human rights violations have been committed in the region;

    B. whereas the Rwandan-backed Tutsi rebel group M23 launched a military operation on 18 January 2025 to expand its territory in North and South Kivu; whereas this attack violates a ceasefire agreement concluded between Rwanda and the DRC as part of the Luanda Peace Process; whereas on 21 January 2025, M23 claimed to have captured several towns, including the strategically important trading town Minova;

    C. whereas on 24 January 2025, intense fighting occurred near Sake, where the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC), supported by the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), UN forces (MONUSCO) and a coalition of militia groups, attempted to prevent M23 from advancing towards and capturing Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu; whereas FARDC Major General Peter Cirimwami, who was also the military governor of North Kivu, was fatally shot on the same day; whereas several South African and Malawian soldiers have reportedly been killed in the recent conflict while serving with SAMIDRC; whereas numerous UN peacekeepers have been killed in the DRC and many more have been injured;

    D. whereas on 30 January 2025, Goma fell under M23 control after several days of fighting in the city; whereas M23 has vowed to ‘march all the way to Kinshasa’; whereas M23 is advancing towards Bukavu in South Kivu; whereas on 3 February 2025, M23 declared a ceasefire for ‘humanitarian reasons’; whereas Goma Airport remains closed, leaving no entry point for humanitarian aid; whereas Goma is experiencing a total blackout, with no access to running water, electricity or the internet; whereas M23 is illegally occupying Goma; whereas M23 is deliberately destroying vital infrastructure;

    E. whereas M23’s occupation of Goma will have severe humanitarian consequences for civilians; whereas the Congolese authorities have reported a high risk of a cholera outbreak; whereas bombs and artillery are being used in densely populated areas; whereas statements by Congolese officials indicate that the streets of Goma are filled with rotting bodies; whereas doctors in Goma are overwhelmed and unable to provide adequate care; whereas M23 has already carried out multiple summary executions, used forced labour and forcibly recruited civilians to join it and commit atrocities on its behalf; whereas both M23 and the FARDC have used rape as a weapon of war; whereas the UN reports that more than 100 female prisoners were raped and burned alive during a jailbreak in Goma; whereas this conflict has significantly increased gender-based violence; whereas M23 is deliberately targeting refugee camps full of displaced civilians, including women and children, which constitutes a war crime; whereas the exact number of displaced people in North Kivu is unconfirmed, but is estimated to be at least 2.4 million;

    F. whereas it is widely known that M23 is backed by Rwanda and its forces; whereas this conflict has its roots in the Rwandan civil war; whereas medical staff can only access Goma through Rwanda; whereas Rwanda has never sent medical experts to Goma; whereas Rwanda is benefiting from this conflict, particularly economically;

    G. whereas the DRC is rich in various minerals and other natural resources; whereas M23 is illegally mining these resources and exporting them to Rwanda; whereas M23 is exploiting forced and child labour in the process; whereas this conflict can also be viewed as an economic war driven by these resources; whereas, in the current geopolitical climate, a number of actors are seeking access to resources in other countries; whereas the potential escalation of the conflict in the DRC could pose a serious threat to the entire African continent, given the current geopolitical situation in the region;

    H. whereas in February 2024, the EU and Rwanda signed a memorandum of understanding on sustainable raw materials value chains; whereas critics say that the deal facilitates the smuggling of conflict minerals from the DRC, further fuels the conflict and helps to finance armed groups in the eastern DRC;

    1. Expresses deep concern about the escalation of violence and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the DRC, caused by the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group; strongly condemns the brutal atrocities committed by M23 in the DRC and Rwanda’s support for the group; demands that Rwanda and all other potential state actors in the region cease their support for M23; demands that M23 withdraw from the territories it has unlawfully gained and return them to the DRC; reminds all parties that territorial integrity must be upheld; demands that M23 immediately stop illegally mining Congolese minerals and resources and sending them to Rwanda; demands the disarmament and dismantling of M23; urges all state parties involved to ensure that any political settlement does not include pardons for individuals who are responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity;

    2. Deplores the fact that millions of civilians have been affected by this conflict, leaving them displaced and in need of humanitarian aid; expresses deep concern over the number of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the DRC;

    3. Demands that the safety of civilians be ensured; demands that medical staff be granted full access to Goma; emphasises the need for a thorough investigation into the crimes committed by M23 and its supporters;

    4. Underlines its support for the DRC in its legitimate fight against M23 and other armed groups, and calls on the international community to increase pressure on Rwanda and M23;

    5. Insists that all EU-funded humanitarian aid must be directed towards helping the most vulnerable people in the eastern DRC, such as women and children, who have suffered the most; stresses that North and South Kivu should be given higher priority for the allocation of EU-funded development aid;

    6. Urges the EU and its Member States to adopt sanctions under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime against all the Rwandan officials and authorities responsible for supporting M23; calls for the sanctions against M23 commanders to be maintained and extended further to include those newly found responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity;

    7. Calls for the EU, its Member States and other democratic Western countries to increase their diplomatic visibility and strengthen their economic and strategic influence in the region, which has large quantities of crucial minerals and other vital resources, to ensure that other authoritarian actors cannot further destabilise the area; calls for the EU to guarantee the traceability of minerals imported from Rwanda and to ensure that there is no trade in conflict minerals from the eastern DRC;

    8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the European External Action Service, the African Union, the Joint Council of Ministers and Joint Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States and the EU, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and the governments and parliaments of Rwanda, the DRC and the other countries of the East African Community.

     

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia – B10-0114/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Hans Neuhoff, Alexander Sell, Petr Bystron, Tomasz Froelich, Petar Volgin, Stanislav Stoyanov
    on behalf of the ESN Group

    B10‑0114/2025

    European Parliament resolution on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia

    (2025/2522(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

     having regard to its resolution of 25 April 2024 on attempts to reintroduce a foreign agent law in Georgia and its restrictions on civil society[1],

     having regard to the statement by High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell with the European Commission of 15 May 2024 on the adoption of the law on ‘transparency of foreign influence’ in Georgia,

     having regard to its resolution of 9 October 2024 on the democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia[2],

     having regard to the final report of 20 December 2024 of the international election observation mission of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights on the Georgian parliamentary elections of 26 October 2024,

     having regard to the statement by High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell and the European Commission of 27 October 2024 on the parliamentary elections,

     having regard to the statement by High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell of 29 October 2024 on the latest developments following the parliamentary elections,

     having regard to Georgia’s sovereignty as recognised in international law,

     having regard to the Charter of the United Nations and to the principles of non-interference in domestic affairs,

     having regard to Rule 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas Georgia is a sovereign state under international law, with full authority to determine its political system, conduct elections and govern itself without interference from foreign actors or international organisations;

    B. whereas the parliamentary elections of 26 October 2024 were conducted in broad compliance with national and international legal standards and the Georgian people have made a clear and democratic choice regarding the composition of their new government;

    C. whereas the new Georgian Government remains committed to European integration, continuing its aspiration for EU membership while ensuring respect for national sovereignty and democratic processes;

    D. whereas according to Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), a Sweden-based political science research institute, Georgia is among the top performers across Europe and worldwide in the field of freedom of peaceful assembly, freedom from governmental attacks on judicial justice, and equal protection across societal groups; notes that Georgia has attained a historic high ranking in the Index of Public Integrity of the European Research Centre for Anti-Corruption and State-Building;

    E. whereas the Georgian Parliament has signalled its willingness to engage in dialogue with the EU on legislative matters and to negotiate solutions to contested legal provisions in a constructive manner;

    F. whereas Georgia is of significant strategic value to the EU, particularly in areas such as energy cooperation, logistics, security and economic development, which should be recognised and supported rather than undermined by political disputes;

    G. whereas the EU’s continued interference in Georgia’s internal affairs – including its refusal to recognise the legitimacy of the Georgian elections and its continued support for opposition movements – risks damaging trust and weakening the EU’s credibility in the region;

    H. whereas the principle of non-intervention in sovereign states’ affairs is enshrined in Articles 2(1) and 2(7) of the UN Charter, and the EU’s failure to respect Georgia’s democratic choices constitutes a breach of international law;

    I. whereas the Georgian Government has expressed its readiness to engage in constructive negotiations with the EU, yet certain EU institutions have refused to acknowledge this openness, preferring instead to impose unilateral demands on the country;

    J. whereas the EU’s insistence on disregarding regional and cultural considerations – such as the Georgian Parliament’s decision on laws related to foreign influence and public morality – ignores the will of the majority of Georgian citizens and undermines political pluralism;

    K. whereas continued EU pressure on Georgia, including threats of sanctions and the potential suspension of financial aid, constitutes an unjustified punitive approach that alienates a key strategic partner in the region;

    1. Deplores the EU’s refusal to recognise the legitimacy of the parliamentary elections in Georgia and its ongoing interference in Georgia’s domestic political affairs;

    2. Reaffirms that the choice of political leadership and governance in Georgia is solely a matter for the Georgian people, and should be made free from external coercion or pressure;

    3. Calls for the EU institutions to respect the Georgian Parliament’s willingness to engage in open dialogue, rather than imposing unilateral demands that disregard Georgia’s political realities;

    4. Urges the EU to engage in constructive dialogue with the new Georgian Government and to recognise that continued political pressure will only serve to push Georgia away from European cooperation rather than fostering integration;

    5. Calls for the EU to take a pragmatic and strategic approach towards Georgia, emphasising mutual benefits in key sectors such as energy security, trade and regional stability rather than focusing on ideological disagreements;

    6. Warns that the EU’s policy of intervention and political pressure in Georgia risks weakening the EU’s standing in the wider Caucasus region, harming its ability to build sustainable partnerships based on mutual respect;

    7. Warns that the EU’s constant interference in Georgia’s internal affairs could fuel strong anti-EU sentiment within Georgian society;

    8. Demands that the EU stop supporting opposition movements that do not represent the will of the majority of Georgian citizens, and instead focus on fostering institutional dialogue with the legitimately elected government;

    9. Reiterates that sovereignty and democracy cannot be applied selectively, and that international law requires all states and organisations – including the EU – to respect the principles of self-determination and non-intervention;

    10. Calls for the EU to adopt a forward-looking policy towards Georgia, recognising the country’s strategic importance and its legitimate democratic processes rather than pursuing a confrontational approach;

    11. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, and the President, Government, and Parliament of Georgia.

     

     

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – EP Conference of Presidents’ statement on EU support for Ukraine

    Source: European Parliament

    Statement of the Conference of Presidents on continuing the unwavering EU support for Ukraine, after three years of Russia’s full-scale war of aggression.

    Three years have passed since the Russian Federation launched its unprovoked, unjustified and illegal full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine, violating international law, the United Nations Charter, and undermining European and global security. The European Parliament Conference of Presidents again strongly condemns Russia’s ongoing war of aggression with deliberate targeting of civilian and critical infrastructure, and the atrocities committed against the Ukrainian population, all serious violations of international law and international humanitarian law.

    We reaffirm our steadfast solidarity with the people of Ukraine, who continue to demonstrate extraordinary resilience and courage in defending their sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

    The European Union must remain united in its commitment to support Ukraine that includes political, military, economic, humanitarian and financial assistance. We commend the efforts of Member States, institutions, civil society organisations, companies and citizens who have mobilised resources and provided refuge to millions of displaced Ukrainians. At the same time, we call on the EU and its Member States to increase and speed up the delivery of its support, in particular of its military support and establish a legal regime allowing for the confiscation of Russian-owned assets frozen by the EU.

    We continue to call for accountability for all war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during this war of aggression. We welcome the recent steps made towards the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.

    We call for continued and enhanced military support to Ukraine, including the provision of defence equipment, training, and strategic assistance necessary to uphold Ukraine’s right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

    We reaffirm the EU’s commitment to sustainable and long-term financial and economic support to Ukraine, including macro-financial assistance, support for reconstruction and economic and social recovery, and measures to ensure the resilience of Ukraine’s economy and critical infrastructure.

    We call for the full implementation and a significant expansion of sanctions, including effective measures to prevent circumvention, against Russia and its accomplices, aimed at definitively undermining its capacity to wage war and holding accountable those responsible for aggression and human rights violations.

    We express full support for Ukraine’s European integration aspirations. The European Parliament remains committed to advancing Ukraine’s path towards EU membership, recognising its significant progress in reforms under the most challenging circumstances.

    In a challenging international and geopolitical environment, we stress the importance of maintaining transatlantic and global solidarity with Ukraine and countering Russian disinformation. We also highlight the need to ensure the international community’s continued focus on the consequences of this war and on supporting Ukraine in achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the Ukrainian peace formula

    As we mark three years of this brutal aggression, the European Parliament Conference of Presidents honours the resilience of the Ukrainian people and pays tribute to all those who have sacrificed their lives for freedom and democracy. We stand firm with Ukraine, reaffirming that peace, security, and justice will prevail.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the escalation of violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo – B10-0109/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    B10‑0109/2025

    European Parliament resolution on the escalation of violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

    (2025/2553(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

     having regard to its previous resolutions on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC),

     having regard to the statement by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on behalf of the EU of 25 January 2025 on the latest escalation in eastern DRC,

     having regard to the statement by G7 foreign ministers of 2 February 2025 on the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo,

     having regard to the press statement of the UN Security Council of 26 January 2025 on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,

     having regard to the special session of the UN Human Rights Council of 7 February 2025 on the human rights situation in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo,

     having regard to the communiqué of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union of 28 January 2025 on the recent developments in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo,

     having regard to the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) of 18 December 1979,

     having regard to the Partnership Agreement of 15 November 2023 between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, of the other part[1],

     having regard to Rule 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas in January 2025, the armed rebel group M23, backed by Rwandan forces, further advanced in the eastern DRC and seized the regional capital city of Goma; whereas violence between rebel groups and the Congolese army increased sharply, causing a high number of civilian casualties; whereas an estimated 3 000 deaths occurred during the offensive on Goma;

    B. whereas M23 announced a unilateral ceasefire to begin on 4 February 2025; whereas fighting has continued nonetheless; whereas there are reports that the mining town of Nyabibwe in South Kivu has been captured by M23; whereas M23 leaders have declared their intention to continue advancing in the DRC;

    C. whereas the latest advances of M23 mark an alarming escalation of the devastating conflict in the eastern DRC and have further destabilised the country; whereas the region has been plagued by decades of cyclical violence, causing a security and humanitarian crisis; whereas a ceasefire brokered in 2024 did not hold;

    D. whereas there are estimated to be around 100 separate armed groups operating in eastern DRC; whereas the largest of the foreign armed groups is the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR);

    E. whereas the seizing of Goma has led to significant displacement of civilians; whereas an estimated 700 000 people have been displaced since early January 2025; whereas thousands of Congolese people had previously fled to the city to escape violence and have been further driven from camps for internally displaced people into makeshift tents or forced to sleep out in the open; whereas the safety of internally displaced people is now seriously threatened, with women and girls suffering disproportionately;

    F. whereas eastern DRC was already the centre of one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world; whereas thousands of people are facing shortages of food, medicine and drinking water; whereas hospitals are overwhelmed and there is limited electricity and running water in Goma; whereas there are rapidly growing levels of malnutrition, particularly among children; whereas access for humanitarian assistance is restricted and Goma airport remains closed;

    G. whereas sanitary conditions, notably in camps for internally displaced people, are extremely concerning; whereas experts are warning of the risks of widespread outbreaks of diseases, including cholera and mpox; whereas in January 2025 the Commission announced an increase of EUR 60 million in EU humanitarian assistance to the DRC;

    H. whereas instances of gender-based and sexual violence, including the use of rape as a weapon of war, are staggeringly high; whereas the UN reported that more than 165 women were raped and that most were later burned alive during a jailbreak in Goma following the M23 advance on the city; whereas the current spike in rape and assault in eastern DRC follows decades of widespread sexual violence perpetuated against generations of Congolese women;

    I. whereas the seizure of Goma triggered violent protests in Kinshasa, with dozens of protesters attacking embassies and calling on the international community to halt the advancement of M23;

    J. whereas the UN mission Monusco has been deployed in the DRC since 2010; whereas President Tshisekedi announced a deadline of December 2024 for all Monusco peacekeeping troops to leave the DRC; whereas this withdrawal was put on hold and the mandate of the mission extended to December 2025;

    K. whereas the conflict in the DRC is at risk of regional spillover; whereas a peacekeeping deployment from the East African Community Regional Forces (EACRF) withdrew in 2023; whereas the Southern African Development Community deployed a peacekeeping mission to the DRC in December 2023 with troops from South Africa, Tanzania and Malawi; whereas at least 20 peacekeepers were killed during the M23 advance on Goma; whereas on 6 February 2025, Malawi announced the withdrawal of its troops from this mission;

    L. whereas it is widely acknowledged that Rwanda is active in the conflict in eastern DRC, including through its de-facto control of M23, to which it supplies weapons, logistical support and troops; whereas UN experts estimate there are between 3 000 and 4 000 Rwandan troops operating with M23;

    M. whereas North Kivu is a resource-rich region, with vast supplies of critical raw materials including cobalt, gold and tin, which are necessary for the global digital and energy transition; whereas Goma is a major transport and trading hub for the export of minerals; whereas the UN estimates that around 120 tonnes of coltan is being moved by M23 to Rwanda each month; whereas UN experts further estimate that M23 is financed by around EUR 288 000 per month generated through its control of the mineral trade in the DRC;

    N. whereas the EU has formed raw materials partnerships with several countries, including the DRC and Rwanda; whereas the EU signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on sustainable raw materials value chains with Rwanda on 19 February 2024 to promote sustainable and responsible production of critical minerals; whereas the MoU is underpinned with a roadmap for joint action; whereas the Rwanda-EU roadmap has not yet been developed, and roadmaps are not made public; whereas parliamentary scrutiny of the development and implementation of the MoU is lacking;

    O. whereas the MoU commits Rwanda to aligning with international standards by joining the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative; whereas Rwanda has not done so to date; whereas under the EU Critical Raw Materials Act, the Commission is currently assessing applications for strategic projects with partner countries to increase EU capacity and supply;

    1. Expresses deep concern at the alarming escalation of violence and the seizure of Goma; deplores the loss of life and the sexual violence perpetrated against women and girls; expresses its sympathy with the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo;

    2. Underlines the urgent need for the stabilisation of the country and the implementation of an immediate ceasefire; calls on M23 to halt its territorial advances, notably to refrain from any further advancement into South Kivu and to withdraw from the territory of the DRC, and for all parties to observe a cessation of violence;

    3. Calls on all state actors, including the governments of the DRC and Rwanda, to cease any cooperation with armed groups, including M23 and FDLR;

    4. Is extremely concerned by the critical humanitarian situation in the country; calls for the creation of a humanitarian corridor and for all parties, including armed groups operating in eastern DRC, to allow and facilitate humanitarian access; emphasises that humanitarian workers must be able to operate safely to deliver life-saving assistance to Congolese civilians; stresses that this is a central obligation under international humanitarian law, and that perpetrators violating these obligations should be held to account;

    5. Welcomes the increased humanitarian support pledged by the EU, but notes that this still falls far short of satisfying the basic needs for food, water, medical assistance and shelter in eastern DRC, especially in the light of the recent termination of support from the United States Agency for International Development; calls on the Commission and the international community to significantly step up financial support for urgent and life-saving assistance;

    6. Urges the Government of the DRC to work with the international community to address the displacement crisis and provide shelter, sanitation and support for internally displaced people, including increased protection for the safety of all displaced people, notably women and girls;

    7. Deplores the endemic sexual and gender-based violence committed against women and girls in the region; underlines that abuse of women and girls escalates into conflict, and that sexual violence is used as a weapon of war; reiterates that sexual violence is a war crime, and those responsible must be held accountable; urges the European External Action Service (EEAS), Member States and the Government of the DRC to take immediate action to prevent sexual violence and improve care for survivors, including by adapting the national legal framework to guarantee access to medical abortion care;

    8. Draws attention to the health needs of pregnant women, notably those who are displaced and out of reach of medical support; calls on the EEAS and Member States to further prioritise the disbursement of humanitarian support for women and girls in the region;

    9. Calls on M23 to allow the immediate reopening of Goma International Airport; underlines that this is essential for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and the evacuation of injured people;

    10. Recognises the contribution made by peacekeeping forces from Monusco and the Southern African Development Community mission, as well as the past contribution by the EACRF; offers its condolences for the peacekeepers who have lost their lives; reiterates its support for the continuation of Monusco’s mandate;

    11. Underlines that a lasting peace must be found through a return to political processes and cooperation; calls on the Government of the DRC and all armed groups to commit to the Nairobi Process for resumed national dialogue;

    12. Regrets that there has long been a lack of accountability for human rights violations in eastern DRC; urges the UN Human Rights Council to create an independent mandate for the investigation of human rights abuses in the region; considers that this should contribute to efforts to hold perpetrators of human rights violations to account;

    13. Calls on the President and Government of Rwanda to respond to calls from the international community to withdraw their support for M23 and prevent any further destabilisation in the DRC; urges Rwanda to ensure that the advance of M23 is halted and that all M23 and Rwandan troops are withdrawn from eastern DRC; underlines that the territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected; calls on the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the governments of the Member States to raise these urgent concerns with Rwanda at the highest levels;

    14. Calls on the Commission to suspend the MoU on sustainable raw materials and value chains; further calls on the Commission to undertake an immediate assessment of the feasibility of implementing the MoU in the light of the widespread evidence of illegal mineral smuggling and financing of M23; calls for the conclusions of such an assessment to be presented to Parliament as soon as possible; notes that parliamentary oversight and civil society involvement in the signing and implementation of raw material MoUs and roadmaps is essential for an inclusive process with adequate scrutiny, and must become part of the MoU;

    15. Stresses that effective implementation of the MoU with Rwanda can only be made in good faith if both parties commit to increasing due diligence and traceability, and tackling illegal trafficking; stresses that this is currently not the case; urges Rwanda to join the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative as an essential first step towards implementing the commitments outlined in the MoU;

    16. Calls on the Commission to suspend any proposals for strategic projects with Rwanda that are currently under consideration in the framework of the Critical Raw Materials Act and the Global Gateway initiative; notes that strategic projects must be implemented sustainably and in compliance with human rights and due diligence standards, something which cannot be guaranteed currently;

    17. Stresses the importance of a return to regional dialogue to deescalate the conflict; urges the authorities of the DRC and Rwanda to resume the Luanda peace process;

    18. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Council, the Commission, the African Union, the Southern African Development Community, the East African Community, the President, Government and Parliament of Rwanda, and the President, Government and Parliament of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

     

     

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – European Parliamentary Week 2025 – 17-18.02.25 – Committee on Budgets

    Source: European Parliament

    On the occasion of the European Parliamentary Week 2025, organised by the European Parliament and the Sejm and Senate of the Republic of Poland, the Committee on Budgets will hold an Inter-Committee Meeting on Monday 17 February at 16.20-19.20.

    The first session will focus on EU competitiveness and a debate on how to increase the synergies between the EU and national financial support. Piotr Serafin, Commissioner for budget, anti-fraud and public administration will give a keynote speech.

    The second session will focus on European public goods in particular how to identify and finance them. On this matter, the audience will have the opportunity to hear from Professor Armin Steinbach, Jean Monnet Professor of Law and Economics at HEC Paris, non-resident fellow at Bruegel and Research Affiliate at the Max Planck Institute for Research and Collective Goods.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB and Banco Santander join forces to boost Europe’s wind energy manufacturers

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • The EIB provides a €500 million counter-guarantee enabling Santander to create a portfolio of bank guarantees of up to €1 billion, expected to unlock €8 billion of investment to support wind energy manufacturers in Europe.
    • The agreement is part of the EIB’s €5 billion wind power package to boost Europe’s wind power manufacturing sector and accelerate the energy transition.
    • The operation is backed by InvestEU, the EU programme aiming to mobilise investment of more than €372 billion by 2027.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Santander have signed a €500 million counter-guarantee agreement that Santander will use to create a portfolio of bank guarantees of up to €1 billion, expected to unlock €8 billion of investment to support wind energy equipment manufacturing companies in Europe.

    The guarantees will back investment by companies manufacturing wind energy and grid interconnection equipment, as well as key components for the wind sector. This will enable the manufacturers to receive advance payments as well as to provide performance guarantees when taking on new wind projects. The guarantees scheme also enables manufacturers to pay their suppliers in advance for the supply of wind farms and the related wind value chain components, which include turbines, grid connection infrastructure, cables and transformer stations.  

    The leverage effect of the EIB counter-guarantee is expected to mobilise additional funding from other investors to support increasing production and accelerate wind energy development, helping to stimulate investment in the real economy.

    The deal forms part of the EIB’s €5 billion wind power package launched in 2023, a dedicated package of counter-guarantees to improve access to finance for wind power sector and support increasing newly installed wind energy generation capacity by 32GW. This EIB financing scheme is being activated through agreements with the sector’s main lenders like Santander. It is a key component of the  European Wind Power Package launched by the European Commission, and is designed to further accelerate a just and swift transition to net zero, while boosting home-grown industrial innovation.

    “Wind energy will play a significant role in achieving the EU’s renewable-energy target. To unveil its full potential, the EIB together with Santander is putting in place de-risking instruments that will allow manufacturers to overcome some of the challenges impacting the sector such as supply chain disruptions, high costs or intense international competition,” said EIB Director of Financial Institutions Gemma Feliciani. “This new framework sponsored by the EIB wind package will accelerate the energy transition in Europe while strengthening its industrial competitiveness and strategic autonomy.”

    Ricardo Gamazo, Santander Global Trade Finance team added: “The program has been very welcome by our clients in the wind equipment industry which face a large backlog of orders to meet the energy transition demand. This in turn creates large guarantee issuance requirements and this extra capacity goes a long way in securing credit lines in the market. We believe this agreement is another decisive step in buttressing energy security for the EU in a sustainable fashion”

    Background information

    About the EIB

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It finances investments that contribute towards EU policy goals. EIB projects bolster competitiveness, drive innovation, promote sustainable development, enhance social and territorial cohesion, and support a just and swift transition to climate neutrality.

    About Banco Santander

    Banco Santander (SAN SM) is a leading commercial bank, founded in 1857 and headquartered in Spain and one of the largest banks in the world by market capitalization. The group’s activities are consolidated into five global businesses: Retail & Commercial Banking, Digital Consumer Bank, Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB), Wealth Management & Insurance and Payments (PagoNxt and Cards). This operating model allows the bank to better leverage its unique combination of global scale and local leadership. Santander aims to be the best open financial services platform providing services to individuals, SMEs, corporates, financial institutions and governments. The bank’s purpose is to help people and businesses prosper in a simple, personal and fair way. Santander is building a more responsible bank and has made a number of commitments to support this objective, including raising €220 billion in green financing between 2019 and 2030. At the end of 2024, Banco Santander had €1.3 trillion in total funds, 173 million customers, 8,000 branches and 207,000 employees.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: DPG Media signs new loan agreement with EIB

    Source: European Investment Bank

    DPG Media Group has signed a new lending agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB). Built around financing eight core priorities, the EIB finances investments that support EU policy goals, including digitalisation. After a first loan signed in 2022 to support the Group’s digitalisation of media platforms, DPG has now signed a further €120 million in the framework of further digitalisation and innovation of its media.

    DPG Media plans to spend a total of €392 million in this regard over the period 2024-2026, of which 30% will be financed with an EIB loan. This financing will allow DPG Media to accelerate its digital transformation and continue to play a leading role in digital innovation as a local player. As part of the project, DPG Media expects to increase its knowledge and expertise in artificial intelligence and content distribution, in alignment with the objectives of the Digital Europe Programme.

    EIB vice-president Robert de Groot: “Digitalisation and the development of advanced technologies play a key role in Europe’s competitiveness. These technologies must be an intrinsic part of the broad support for European entrepreneurs and companies. DPG’s investments to digitise its offering and services are in line with European ambitions. EIB loans are meant to foster this type of development.”

    Erik Roddenhof, CEO of DPG Media: “We are delighted with this new long-term loan from the European Investment Bank for our investments in our further digital transformation. We deem this necessary to be able to successfully offer independent and strong media as a local media player in a rapidly changing market that is increasingly dominated by global players. With this loan, the group diversifies its debt financing, both in terms of creditors and tenors. We regard the support of the European Investment Bank primarily as a quality stamp, not only for the creditworthiness of DPG Media, but especially for our digital efforts.”

    Looking ahead, DPG will invest to further develop its digital platform for end-users and advertisers, including with AI and text-to-speech applications.

    In recent years the investments in DPG’s advertising platform ‘Trusted Web’ marked a crucial and unique step to reduce dependence on big tech: advertisers no longer need to use third-party big tech purchasing platforms and tools to buy advertising campaigns at DPG Media.

    Furthermore, DPG invested heavily in audio technology, the digitalisation of its magazines and improvement of its streaming platforms on smart TVs, and the platform now also serves multiple users (besides VTM GO, Streamz and RTL Play also use the same platform). DPG Media has also implemented a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy to ensure its platforms remain resistant to emerging threats.

    Background information

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, it finances investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the EU, and the Capital Markets Union.   

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.   

    DPG Media Group’s mission is to inform, entertain and inspire people. The headquarters of the international media group, which is active in the Belgian, Dutch and Danish markets, are in Antwerp. DPG Media Group has a workforce of 5,396 employees and a portfolio of 90 strong publishing, broadcasting and services brands. Every day, the DPG Media Group brands reach a total of 15 million media users, both online and offline.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Opening Address by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the AI Action Summit, Paris

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 3:41PM by PIB Delhi

    Excellencies,

    Friends,

    Let me begin with a simple experiment.

    If you upload your medical report to an AI app, it can explain in simple language, free of any jargon, what it means for your health. But, if you ask the same app to draw an image of someone writing with their Left hand, the app will most likely draw someone writing with their Right hand. Because that is what the training data is dominated by.

    It shows that while the positive potential of AI is absolutely amazing, there are many biases that we need to think carefully about. That is why I am grateful to my friend, President Macron, for hosting this summit. And for inviting me to co-chair it.

    Friends,

    AI is already re-shaping our polity, our economy, our security and even our society. AI is writing the code for humanity in this century. But, it is very different from other technology milestones in human history.

    AI is developing at an unprecedented scale and speed. And being adopted and deployed even faster. There is also a deep inter-dependence across borders. Therefore, there is a need for collective global efforts to establish governance and standards, that uphold our shared values, address risks, and build trust.

    But, Governance is not just about managing risks and rivalries. It is also about promoting innovation, and deploying it for the global good. So, we must think deeply and discuss openly about innovation and governance.

    Governance is also about ensuring access to all, especially in the Global South. It is where the capacities are most lacking – be it compute power, talent, data, or the financial resources.

    Friends,

    AI can help transform millions of lives by improving health, education, agriculture and so much more. It can help create a world in which the journey to Sustainable Development Goals becomes easier and faster.

    To do this, we must pool together resources and talent. We must develop open-source systems that enhance trust and transparency. We must build quality data sets, free from biases. We must democratise technology and create people-centric applications. We must address concerns related to cyber security, disinformation, and deep fakes. And, we must also ensure that technology is rooted in local ecosystems for it to be effective and useful.

    Friends,

    Loss of jobs is AI’s most feared disruption. But, history has shown that work does not disappear due to technology. Its nature changes and new types of jobs are created. We need to invest in skilling and re-skilling our people for an AI-driven future.

    Friends,

    There is no doubt that the high energy intensity of AI needs to be looked into. This will require green power to fuel its future.

    India and France have worked together for years through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance to harness the power of the sun. As we advance our partnership to AI, it is a natural progression from sustainability to innovation to shape a smarter and responsible future.

    At the same time, Sustainable AI does not only mean using clean energy. AI models must also be efficient and sustainable in size, data needs and resource requirements. After all, the human brain manages to compose poetry and design space ships using less power than most lightbulbs.

    Friends,

    India has successfully built a Digital Public Infrastructure for over 1.4 billion people at a very low cost. It is built around an open and accessible network. It has regulations, and a wide range of applications to modernize our economy, reform governance and transform the lives of our people.

    We have unlocked the power of data through our Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture. And, we have made digital commerce democratic and accessible to all. This vision is the foundation of India’s National AI Mission.

    That is why, during our G20 Presidency, we built a consensus on Harnessing AI Responsibly, for Good, and for All. Today, India leads in AI adoption, and techno-legal solutions on data privacy.

    We are developing AI applications for public good. We have one of the world’s largest AI talent pools. India is building its own Large Language Model considering our diversity. We also have a unique public-private partnership model for pooling resources like compute power. It is made available to our start-ups and researchers at an affordable cost. And, India is ready to share its experience and expertise to ensure that the AI future is for Good, and for All.

    Friends,

    We are at the dawn of the AI age that will shape the course of humanity. Some people worry about machines becoming superior in intelligence to humans. But, no one holds the key to our collective future and shared destiny other than us humans.

    That sense of responsibility must guide us.

    Thank you.

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2101740) Visitor Counter : 114

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Update on the Rashtriya Bal Swasthaya Karyakram (RBSK)

    Source: Government of India

    Update on the Rashtriya Bal Swasthaya Karyakram (RBSK)

    From FY 2014-15 till FY 2023-24, 160.84 crore screenings conducted for children through Mobile Health Teams (MHTs); 11.90 crore children identified with selected health conditions and 5.64 crore children provided secondary/tertiary care under RBSK

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 3:33PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) provides technical and financial support for Rashtriya Bal Swasthaya Karyakram (RBSK) under the National Health Mission (NHM) based on the Annual Program Implementation Plan (APIP). The support is given for infrastructure, essential equipment, and human resources including capacity building and treatment at secondary and tertiary care hospitals. The screening services for children are provided through 11821 dedicated Mobile Health Teams (MHTs) at the block level and 430 District Early Intervention Centre (DEICs) to provide comprehensive management to children. State/UT wise MHTs and DEICs details for FY 2023-24 are placed at Annexure.

    As reported by States/UTs, 160.84 crore screenings for children have been conducted through Mobile Health Teams (MHTs), 11.90 crore children have been identified with selected health conditions and 5.64 crore children have been provided secondary/tertiary care from FY 2014-15 till FY 2023-24 under RBSK.

    For effective implementation and increased coverage of RBSK across India, the program is regularly monitored through review of quarterly reports, field visits, periodic meetings with State Nodal Officers, and Common Review Missions (CRM).

    The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) also supports the States/UTs through technical and financial guidance based on Annual Programme Implementation Plans (APIP) submitted by the State/UTs.

    The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

    ****

    MV

    HFW/ Update on the RBSK/11 February 2025/1

    Annexure

    State-wise number of Mobile Health Team (MHT)

    and District Early Intervention Centre (DEIC) in F.Y. 2023-24

    (As reported by State/UTs)

    S. No.

    States/UTs

    Number of Mobile Health Team

    Number of DEIC Operational

    1

    Andaman & Nicobar

    6

    0

    2

    *Andhra Pradesh

    NA

    34

    3

    Arunachal Pradesh

    42

    3

    4

    Assam

    305

    18

    5

    Bihar

    734

    9

    6

    Chandigarh

    12

    1

    7

    Chhattisgarh

    328

    7

    8

    Dadra & Nagar Haveli and DD

    6

    2

    9

    **Delhi

    NA

    2

    10

    Goa

    15

    2

    11

    Gujarat

    992

    28

    12

    Haryana

    211

    21

    13

    Himachal Pradesh

    150

    9

    14

    Jammu & Kashmir

    216

    22

    15

    Jharkhand

    290

    8

    16

    Karnataka

    430

    14

    17

    ***Kerala

    1054

    14

    18

    Ladakh

    17

    2

    19

    Lakshadweep

    10

    0

    20

    Madhya Pradesh

    650

    51

    21

    Maharashtra

    1196

    35

    22

    Manipur

    36

    9

    23

    Meghalaya

    78

    3

    24

    Mizoram

    25

    2

    25

    Nagaland

    22

    1

    26

    Odisha

    630

    32

    27

    Puducherry

    8

    1

    28

    Punjab

    258

    5

    29

    Rajasthan

    502

    17

    30

    Sikkim

    20

    1

    31

    Tamil Nadu

    805

    35

    32

    Telangana

    300

    18

    33

    Tripura

    48

    3

    34

    Uttar Pradesh

    1578

    8

    35

    Uttarakhand

    147

    5

    36

    West Bengal

    700

    8

    Total

    11,821

    430

    *Andhra Pradesh screens children with the support of Primary Healthcare Center (PHC) medical officers, Auxiliary Nurse and Midwife (ANM) in place of Mobile health team.

    **Delhi screen children under School Health Scheme (State Initiative).

    ***Kerala screen children with the support of Junior Public Health Nurse in place of Mobile health team.

    (Release ID: 2101733) Visitor Counter : 60

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) on “Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific”

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 3:33PM by PIB Delhi

    The 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF), with the theme “Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific” is being organized in New Delhi during February 12-14, 2025. The Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (AFAF) is a triennial event of the Asian Fisheries Society with its Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This 14th AFAF is being jointly organized by the Asian Fisheries Society (AFS), Kuala Lumpur; Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi; the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Government of India; and the Asian Fisheries Society Indian Branch (AFSIB), Mangalore. This prestigious event is being hosted in India for the 2nd time after the 8AFAF held at Kochi in 2007.

     

    The 14th AFAF brings together key players from the fisheries and aquaculture sectors and will host around 1,000 delegates from 24 countries, including researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders. The Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (AFAF) has a strong legacy of fostering global collaboration in the sector. Since its inception, the forum has been successfully hosted in multiple countries across Asia. Hosting the 14th AFAF in India after 18 years highlights the country’s growing prominence in global fisheries and aquaculture. With a rapidly expanding blue economy, progressive government policies, and significant scientific advancements, India has emerged as a key player in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. Today, India occupies 2nd position in total fish production and also aquaculture production globally. The forum will provide a platform to showcase India’s contributions, strengthen international partnerships, and promote innovative approaches for sustainable, resilient, and economically viable fish production systems.

     

    The forum will be inaugurated by Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj, Govt. of India on at 10.00 AM on 12th February 2025 ( WEDNESDAY) at Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, ICAR Convention Centre, Pusa Campus, New Delhi. Dr. Himansu Pathak, Secretary, DARE, and Director General, ICAR; Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India; Dr. S. Ayyappan, Former Secretary, DARE, and DG, ICAR; Dr. Essam Yassin Mohammed, Director General of World Fish, Malaysia will also be present. The event will include over 20 Lead Presentations by internationally acclaimed experts from India and overseas.

     

    On the second day a Symposium on “Aquatic Animal Diseases: Emerging Challenges and Preparedness” will be held at 09.00 AM on 13 February 2025 at A.P. Shinde Auditorium, NASC Complex, Pusa Campus, New Delhi. Shri George Kurian, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, and Minority Affairs, Govt. of India has consented to inaugurate the symposium.

     

    On the third day, the Academia-Industry-Government Meet on ‘De-risking Shrimp Aquaculture Value Chain for Improved Global Competitiveness’ at 9.00 am at Parijat Lecture Hall, Ground Floor, NAAS Block, NASC, New Delhi on 14 February 2025. Dr B. Mastan Rao, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) has consented to inaugurate the Meet.

     

    Closing Ceremony of 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) will be held at 4.30 pm on 14th February, 2025 at Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, ICAR Convention Centre, Pusa Campus, New Delhi. Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India has consented to be the Chief Guest of the Closing Ceremony.

     ****

    MG/ KSR

    (Release ID: 2101732) Visitor Counter : 50

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Uniform Software for PACS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 3:21PM by PIB Delhi

    Government of India is implementing the Project for Computerization of functional PACS with a total financial outlay of ₹2,516 Crore, which entails bringing all the functional PACS onto an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) based common national software, linking them with NABARD through State Cooperative Banks (StCBs) and District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs). The National Level Common Software for the project has been developed by NABARD and 50,455 PACS have been onboarded on ERP software as on 27.01.2025.

    Computerization of PACS project aims to provide a comprehensive ERP solution for entailing more than 25 economic activities prescribed under the Model Bye-Laws for PACS covering various modules such as financial services for short, medium & long term loans, procurement operations, Public Distribution Shops (PDS) operations, business planning, warehousing, merchandising, borrowings, asset management, human resource management, etc.

    So far, proposals for computerization of 67,930 PACS from 30 States/ UTs have been sanctioned, for which Rs. 741.34 Cr. has been released as GoI share to the States/UTs concerned. All the participants States/UTs can customize the ERP software as per the needs & functional requirements of the concerned States/UTs.

    The ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) based common national software brings about efficiency in PACS performance through Common Accounting System (CAS) and Management Information System (MIS). Further, governance and transparency in PACS also improves, leading to speedy disbursal of loans, lowering of transaction cost, reduction in imbalances in payments, seamless accounting with DCCBs and StCBs. It will enhance trustworthiness in the working of PACS among farmers, thus contributing towards realizing the vision of “Sahakar se Samridhi”.

    This was stated by the Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

    *****

    RK/VV/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2101726) Visitor Counter : 83

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PACS Plan for Sale of Petroleum Products

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 3:20PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government has allowed Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to operate Retail Petrol/ Diesel outlets and LPG Distributorships. In this regard, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has issued revised guidelines for selection of dealers for regular & rural retail outlets, as well as unified guidelines for selection of LPG distributorships.

    As per the revised guidelines, PACS have been included under Combined Category 2 (CC-2) for retail Petrol/ Diesel dealership and Combined Category (CC) for LPG Distributorship for which they can apply online as per the advertisements issued by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). Further, PACS have also been given one-time option to convert their wholesale consumer pumps into Retail Outlets for which Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has released detailed guidelines.

    The eligibility criteria have also been defined in the guidelines which inter alia, include submission of documents related to registration, land availability, finance, etc. by the applicant PACS for Retail Petrol/ Diesel Outlets and LPG Distributorship.

    As informed by OMCs, 286 PACS from 25 States/UTs have submitted online applications to establish retail petrol/diesel outlets, out of which 26 PACS have been selected by OMCs. Under conversion of PACS Wholesale Consumer Pumps into Retail Outlets, OMC reports indicate that 116 PACS from 5 States have agreed to this conversion, and 56 PACS have been commissioned. For LPG distributorship, 2 PACS have applied for the 2 advertised locations in the State of Jharkhand.

    This was stated by the Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

    *****

    RK/VV/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2101724) Visitor Counter : 90

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Budget 2025-26 Strengthens Gender-Focused Allocations: Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi Highlights Key Measures for Women and Child Development

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Budget 2025-26 Strengthens Gender-Focused Allocations: Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi Highlights Key Measures for Women and Child Development

    Transforming Lives, Strengthening India: MoWCD’s Revolutionary Steps in Budget 2025-26

    From Nutrition to Entrepreneurship: MoWCD Unveils Comprehensive Vision for Women & Children

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 3:12PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Annpurna Devi, addressed the media today in New Delhi, outlining the key provisions of the Union Budget 2025-26 and introducing new initiatives aimed at enhancing child and maternal nutrition while fostering women entrepreneurship.

    The Union Budget 2025-26, presented by Union Minister of Finance, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, reflects a significant rise in gender-focused allocations. The Gender Budget now constitutes 8.86% of the total budget, increasing from 6.8% in FY 2024-25. Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi emphasized that the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) plays a key role in advancing these efforts, with a considerable share of its budget dedicated to empowering women and girls through various targeted initiatives. This reaffirms the government’s unwavering commitment to gender equality and women-led development.

    A record allocation of ₹4.49 lakh crore has been designated for women’s welfare, reflecting a 37.25% increase from the previous year. Ministry of Women  and Child Development remains at the forefront, allocating 81.79% of its budget towards gender-focused programs.

    Highlighting the Government’s vision for economic and social empowerment of women, Smt. Annpurna Devi stated, “Women entrepreneurs are a driving force behind India’s economic progress. By providing targeted financial support and skill-building programs, we are fostering an inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

    The Union Minister also announced the 7th Poshan Pakhwada, to be observed from 18th March to 2nd April 2025, with outcome-based activities around four key themes:

    • Focus on First 1000 Days of Life
    • Popularization of Beneficiary Module
    • Management of Malnutrition through implementation of the CMAM module
    • Healthy Lifestyle to Address Obesity in Children

    Furthermore, continued sensitization activities for communities will be conducted from Poshan Pakhwada 2025 until the announcement of 1000 Suposhit Gram Panchayats in late 2025.

    As part of its commitment to tackling malnutrition, the Ministry introduced the Suposhit Panchayat Scheme during the national event for Veer Baal Diwas on 26th December, 2024 at Bharat Mandapam. The initiative aims to identify and award the Top 1000 Gram Panchayats across the country as ‘Suposhit Gram Panchayats’ for their exceptional efforts in improving nutrition and health indicators at the grassroots level.

    Under the 100-day campaign to celebrate ten years of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, over 1,342 programmes have been conducted nationwide, engaging more than 13 lakh participants, including 1,410 public representatives. The activities encompassed a diverse range of initiatives, including:

    • Sensitization programs on menstrual hygiene and the PC/PNDT Act
    • Plantation drives promoting environmental sustainability
    • Recognition of meritorious girl students to encourage academic excellence

    The campaign has been instrumental in furthering gender equality, fostering awareness, and strengthening the resolve to ensure the well-being and empowerment of young girls across the country.

    Further showcasing the Ministry’s initiatives, the Union Minister referenced the Ministry’s award-winning tableau from the Republic Day parade, which beautifully illustrated the life-cycle continuum approach of its schemes and reinforced the theme of Women-Led Development, demonstrating Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s commitment to empowering women and children.

    The tableau prominently featured key MWCD schemes such as One Stop Centre, Women Helpline (181), Child Helpline (1098), Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Saksham Anganwadi, and Poshan Abhiyaan. It also celebrated the 10th anniversary of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and the 50th anniversary of the Anganwadi Scheme while showcasing women’s growing participation in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, technology, and various professional sectors.

    Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi reiterated the government’s dedication to women and child development by highlighting key initiatives such as the Chintan Shivir, held from January 10-12, 2025, in Udaipur, Rajasthan. The event brought together delegations from 32 States and Union Territories, including 16 State Ministers from Women and Child Development Departments, to deliberate on important issues relating to the welfare and development of women and children.

    The Chintan Shivir provided a platform for the exchange of innovative ideas, shared experiences, avenues for policy improvements, and the dissemination of best practices across states to ensure the effective implementation of these missions.

    The Ministry of Women and Child Development honoured over 200 field functionaries from across the nation as Special Guests at the Republic Day Ceremony on 26th January 2025. These dedicated individuals, including Anganwadi Workers, Child Development Project Officers, and District Programme Officers, were recognized for their invaluable contributions to the empowerment of women and children.

    Further highlighting its commitment to women’s empowerment, the Ministry has also curated a digital exhibition at Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj. This exhibition presents a compelling narrative of India’s progress in women-led development, showcasing various schemes, policies, and programs through an engaging and interactive experience.

    The Ministry of Women and Child Development remains resolute in its mission to promote holistic development, nutritional security, and economic empowerment for women and children. In alignment with the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat, MoWCD continues to drive forward its agenda of building a healthier, stronger, and more empowered India.

    *****  

    SS/MS

    (Release ID: 2101713) Visitor Counter : 49

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Parliament Question: Impact of PM-Daksh Yojana

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 1:51PM by PIB Delhi

    PM-DAKSH Scheme was approved for a period of five years from 2021-22 to 2025-26. As per scheme guidelines, different monitoring mechanism is in place to assess the implementation of the scheme. As per Ministry of Finance’s guidelines, every scheme has to undergo independent third party evaluation to assess the impact of the PM-DAKSH Yojana on ground before its re-appraisal for the next Finance Commission cycle.

    The number of beneficiaries under PM-DAKSH Scheme up to the year 2023-24 is 1,87,305. Under the Scheme, Short Term Training, Upskilling / Re-skilling and Entrepreneurship Development Programme are conducted by the empanelled training institutes for the respective target groups. An amount of Rs. 80 crores has been allocated in the financial year 2024-25 at Revised Estimates stage.

    Since the target group of the scheme belongs to marginalized sections of society, the major challenge is to spread awareness about the scheme among them. In order to address this issue, wider publicity is given in the newspapers and the details of the scheme are uploaded on the official website of Department.

    Under PM-DAKSH Scheme, both Government and Private Training Institutes are empanelled in order to provide skill training to the respective target groups. As per NCVET mandate, if any beneficiary undergoes training in the job role which has mandatory provision ‘On the Job Training (OJT)’, the beneficiary gets associated with private sector industry to complete the OJT which is a part of training programme.

    This information was provided by UNION MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT, SHRI B.L. VERMA, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

    *****

    VM

    (Lok Sabha US Q1265)

    (Release ID: 2101663) Visitor Counter : 73

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Parliament Question: Accessibility for Disabled People

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 1:50PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government of India has taken several measures to promote the cause of accessibility for Divyangjans in different public transportation systems. So far, all 35 International Airports and 55 Domestic Airports have been provided with accessibility facilities like Ramps, Toilets and Lifts. 709 A1, A and B categories of Railway Stations have been provided with many short-term facilities like Ramps, Toilets, Lifts, Helpdesk, Parking, Non-slippery walkways, Drinking Water facilities). As many as 42,000 and more buses have been made partially accessible and 8695 buses are fully accessible. Out of 3533 bus stations, 3120 have been made accessible across the country.

    Under the Accessible India Campaign, Central Government conducted access audit of State/UT Government owned Public Buildings and provided financial assistance to State/UT Governments for making 1314 buildings accessible. In addition, Central Public Works Department, Government of India has retrofitted 211 Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)-owned buildings and 889 buildings of other Departments/ Ministries maintained by CPWD.

    To ensure incorporation of accessibility features several Ministries/Departments have taken many measures. Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) vide GSR 287(E) , GSR 367(E) , GSR 959(E) etc., notified AIS-052-Code for accessible Bus Body Design which contains special provisions for Disabled Passengers such as priority seats for persons with disabilities, seats designated for disabled passengers with appropriate sign(s), priority seats to be provided with appropriate facility for securing crutches, canes, walkers etc. to facilitate convenient travel for persons with disabilities with provision of handrails and / or stanchions. GSR 959 (E) mandates the verification provisions regarding accessibility features at the time of fitness certification. GSR 240 (E) notified the provision required for Alteration to Motor Vehicle for conversion into Adapted Vehicle.

    Indian Railways has also notified ‘Guidelines on accessibility of Indian Railway Stations and facilities at stations for differently abled persons (Divyangjans) and passengers with reduced mobility’, which has provisions of facilities for Divyangjans and passengers with reduced mobility such as entrance ramps, accessible parking, low height ticket counter/help booths, toilets, drinking water booth, sub-ways/foot over bridges with ramps/lifts, standard signages including Braille signages and tactile pathways for visual impairment, etc.

    Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, in the Metro/RRTS projects have designed user-friendly mass transport system which can ensure accessibility to persons with disabilities, as well as people with temporary mobility problems and the elderly persons. The design standards for Metro/RRTS facilitates universal access to Public Transport Infrastructure including related facilities and services, information, etc. benefitting the people using public transport.

    PM-eBus Sewa Tender specifies accessibility features and equipment as per AIS 052 & AIS 153 so as to deploy 100% 12m & 9m Buses with accessibility features including wheelchair accessibility.

    The National Institute of Labour Economics Research and Development conducted the review of the implementation of Accessible India Campaign as a third-party evaluation. Some key findings of this evaluation were:

    · During the study, it was seen that 80.51% of the buildings were funded for retrofitting.

    · The campaign covered major government buildings across the country.

    · A positive attitudinal change was observed amongst government functionaries and general public towards the right of persons with disabilities to safe and easy access to public places due to this campaign.

    This information was provided by UNION MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT, SHRI B.L. VERMA, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

    *****

    VM

    (Lok Sabha US Q1334)

    (Release ID: 2101662) Visitor Counter : 75

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Results of monthly survey on business situation of small and medium-sized enterprises for January 2025

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (February 11) the results of the Monthly Survey on Business Situation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) for January 2025.
     
         The current diffusion index (DI) on business receipts amongst SMEs decreased from 43.9 in December 2024 in the contractionary zone to 43.1 in January 2025, whereas the one-month’s ahead (i.e. February 2025) outlook DI on business receipts was 43.8. Analysed by sector, the current DIs on business receipts for many surveyed sectors dropped in January 2025 as compared with previous month, particularly for the logistics (from 42.4 to 38.5) and business services (from 48.4 to 45.6).
           
         The current DI on new orders for the import and export trades decreased from 46.5 in December 2024 to 46.1 in January 2025, whereas the outlook DI on new orders in one month’s time (i.e. February 2025) was 46.9.
     
    Commentary
     
         A Government spokesman said that overall business sentiment among SMEs and their expectations on the business situation in one month’s time eased back alongside increased uncertainties in the external environment in January. Yet, the overall employment situation remained stable.
     
         The spokesman added that uncertainties in the global economy would continue to pose challenges to the business environment. Nevertheless, the Central Government’s various measures to boost the Mainland economy and benefit Hong Kong, as well as the Special Administrative Region Government’s initiatives to lift market sentiment and promote economic development should provide support to business sentiment. The Government will monitor the situation closely.
     
    Further information
     
         The Monthly Survey on Business Situation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises aims to provide a quick reference, with minimum time lag, for assessing the short-term business situation faced by SMEs. SMEs covered in this survey refer to establishments with fewer than 50 persons engaged. Respondents were asked to exclude seasonal fluctuations in reporting their views. Based on the views collected from the survey, a set of diffusion indices (including current and outlook diffusion indices) is compiled. A reading above 50 indicates that the business condition is generally favourable, whereas that below 50 indicates otherwise. As for statistics on the business prospects of prominent establishments in Hong Kong, users may refer to the publication entitled “Report on Quarterly Business Tendency Survey” released by the C&SD.
     
         The results of the survey should be interpreted with care. The survey solicits feedback from a panel sample of about 600 SMEs each month and the survey findings are thus subject to sample size constraint. Views collected from the survey refer only to those of respondents on their own establishments rather than those on the respective sectors they are engaged in. Besides, in this type of opinion survey on expected business situation, the views collected in the survey are affected by the events in the community occurring around the time of enumeration, and it is difficult to establish precisely the extent to which respondents’ perception of the business situation accords with the underlying trends. For this survey, main bulk of the data were collected around the last week of the reference month.
     
         More detailed statistics are given in the “Report on Monthly Survey on the Business Situation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises”. Users can browse and download the publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1080015&scode=300).
     
         Users who have enquiries about the survey results may contact Industrial Production Statistics Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 7246; email: sme-survey@censtatd.gov.hk).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ERADICATION OF LEFT WING EXTREMISM

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 1:22PM by PIB Delhi

    To address the LWE problem holistically, a “National Policy and Action Plan” to address LWE was approved in 2015. It envisages a multi- prolonged strategy involving security related measures, development interventions, ensuing rights and entitlements of local communities etc. While on security front, the Government of India (GoI) assists the LWE affected States by providing Central Armed Police battalions, training & funds for modernization of State police forces, equipment & arms, sharing of intelligence, construction of Fortified Police Stations etc; on development side, apart from flagship schemes, GoI has taken several specific initiatives in LWE affected States, with special thrust on expansion of road network, improving telecommunication connectivity, skilling and financial inclusion.

    Resolute implementation of the ‘National Policy and Action Plan’ to Address Left Wing Extremism (LWE) both by the Centre and the States has resulted in a consistent decline in LWE both in terms of geographical spread and violence. There has been a progressive decline in the number of districts affected by LWE. In view of the continuously improving situation, three review of LWE affected districts have been undertaken in the last six years with reduction from 126 to 90 districts in April 2018, further to 70 in July 2021 and then to 38 in April 2024. Violence perpetrated by LWE have reduced by 81% in 2024 in comparison to the high levels of 2010 (2024: 374, 2010:1936). The resultant deaths (Civilians + Security Forces) have also reduced by 85% during the same period (2024: 150, 2010: 1005).

    In Chhattisgarh, violence perpetrated by LWE have reduced by 47% in 2024 in comparison to the high levels of 2010 (2024: 267, 2010: 499).

    The resultant deaths (Civilians + Security Forces) have also reduced by 64% during the same period (2024: 122, 2010: 343). The year-wise details of incidents of LWE violence during last five years are placed at Annexure.

    Under Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme funds are provided to LWE affected states for capacity building through provisions of ex-gratia to the family of civilian/Security Forces killed in LWE violence, training and operational needs of Security Forces, rehabilitation of surrendered LWE cadres, community policing, compensation to Security Force personnel/civilians for property damage by LWE etc. Under this scheme Rs. 1925.83 crore have been released to all LWE affected States during last 5 years (between 2019-20 to till date). This includes Rs. 829.80 Crore for Chhattisgarh.

    Strengthening of Special Forces, Special Intelligence Branches (SIBs) and District Police is undertaken through Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS). Under this scheme Rs. 394.31 crore have been released to all LWE affected States during last 5 years (between 2019-20 to till date). This includes Rs. 85.42 Crore for Chhattisgarh. 702 Fortified Police Stations (FPSs) including 147 for Chhattisgarh have been sanctioned for LWE affected states. Of these, 612 FPSs, including 125 in Chhattisgarh have been constructed.

    To give further impetus for development in most LWE affected districts, funds are provided to the states under Special Central Assistance (SCA) Scheme to fill critical gapes in public infrastructure and services. Under this scheme Rs. 2384.17 crore have been released to all LWE affected States during last 5 years (between 2019-20 to till date). This includes Rs. 773.62 Crore for Chhattisgarh.

    Further, Rs. 654.84 crore have been given to Central Agencies during the last 05 years (2019-20 to till date) for helicopters and addressing critical infrastructure in security camps in LWE affected areas, under Assistance to Central Agencies for LWE Management (ACALWEM) Scheme.

    On development front, following specific initiatives have been taken in Chhattisgarh:

    • For  expansion of  road  network,  4046  km  roads  have  been constructed so far in LWE affected areas.
    • To   improve  telecom   connectivity,  1333  towers   have   been commissioned.
    • For financial inclusion of the local population in the LWE affected districts, 1214 Post Offices have been opened. Further, 297 Bank Branches and 268 ATMs have been opened.
    • For skill development, 09 ITIs and 14 Skill Development Centers (SDCs) have been made functional.
    • For quality education of tribals in LWE affected districts, 45 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) have been made functional.
    • In addition, under Civic Action Programme, Central Armed Police Forces (CRPF, BSF, SSB and ITBP) deployed in LWE affected areas undertake various civic activities for welfare of the locals and to wean away the youth from the influence of the Maoists.

    Tribal Youth Exchange Programs (TYEPs) are also being organized through Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) for integration of tribal youth of LWE affected districts with National mainstream.

    Annexure

    LWE Violence Incidents In Past 5 Years

    S.No.

    Year

    In All LWE Affected States

    Chhattisgarh

    1

    2020

    470

    241

    2

    2021

    361

    188

    3

    2022

    413

    246

    4

    2023

    486

    305

    5

    2024

    374

    267

    This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

    ******

    RK/VV/ASH/PR/PS/1218

    (Release ID: 2101652) Visitor Counter : 17

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: INVESTMENT BY SAIL

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 1:08PM by PIB Delhi

    Capex of Rs. 5,700 crore and Rs. 7,500 crore have been approved for SAIL for financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26 respectively. Capex includes expenditure against Milestone payments for completed schemes, progress payment for on-going schemes, Capital Repair/Spares and SAIL’s portion in capital expenditure in Joint Ventures.

    Steel industry has filed petitions to initiate investigations concerning imports with the designated authority on imports of flat steel products, CRNO and hot rolled coils.

    Steel is a de-regulated sector and the government acts as a facilitator by creating a conducive policy environment for the development of steel sector. Decisions regarding setting up of steel plants are taken by the industry based on techno-commercial considerations taking into consideration factors such as raw material availability, ease of logistics, access to market etc.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

     

    *****

    TPJ/NJ

    (Release ID: 2101642) Visitor Counter : 50

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News